see, spot, smell, etc. something a mile off

see (something) a mile off

To see or predict something well in advance of it actually arriving or happening. I can see where this conversation is heading a mile off. The car is so obnoxiously large that you can see it a mile off.

See also: mile, off, see

see, spot, smell, etc. something a ˈmile off

(informal) see or know something very easily because it is so obvious: He’s wearing a wig — you can see it a mile off. ♢ You could tell they were tourists a mile off.

See also: mile, off, something