a mile off

a mile off

Very easily. Always of something detected or observed. I can spot Paul a mile off, just by the way he walks. After decades as an investigator, I can identify a con man a mile off. Be careful in the big city by yourself—crooks around here can spot a wide-eyed rube a mile off.

See also: mile, off

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a mile off

or

a mile away

INFORMAL

If you can see something or someone a mile off or a mile away, you can notice or recognize them very easily. You can spot undercover cops a mile off. I can tell a wig a mile off. He knew Ann could spot a lie a mile away.

See also: mile, off

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012