wide of the mark

wide of the mark  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.}

1. Far from the target or the thing aimed at.

James threw a stone at the cat but it went wide of the mark.

2. Far from the truth; incorrect.

You were wide of the mark when you said I did it, because Bill did it.

Contrast: HIT THE BULL'S-EYE, HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD.