off-target aim

[/ɔf ˈtɑːrɡɪt eɪm/]
noun phrasepl: off-target aims
mira desviada; pontaria errada
1. An attempt to hit or reach a goal that misses the intended target or objective
His off-target aim resulted in the arrow missing the bullseye by several inches.
Sua mira desviada fez a flecha perder o alvo por vários centímetros.
2. A figurative reference to actions or efforts that fail to achieve their intended purpose or goal
The company's marketing strategy proved to be an off-target aim that failed to reach their demographic.
A estratégia de marketing da empresa mostrou-se uma mira desviada que não atingiu seu público-alvo.
In American English, 'off-target aim' is commonly used in both literal contexts (sports, military, hunting) and figurative contexts (business strategy, life goals). In Brazilian Portuguese, 'mira desviada' or 'pontaria errada' is equally applicable in both contexts, though 'objetivo não atingido' is more commonly used figuratively in business settings. The phrase reflects cultural emphasis on accuracy and precision in achieving goals across both cultures.
NYC Slang
off the mark; way off
Synonyms / Sinônimos
inaccurate shotmissed targetpoor aimwide of the markmisdirected effort
Antonyms / Antônimos
on-target aimaccurate shotbullseyedirect hitprecise aim

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
mira desviada; pontaria errada
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
mira fora do alvo
Common colloquial variation
São Paulo
tiro errado; objetivo não atingido
More formal business/figurative usage
Portugal
mira desviada; tiro falhado
Portuguese European variation, slightly different phrasing

Related Words

accuracyprecisiontargetmarksmanshiptrajectorydeviation

Related Idioms & Phrases

miss the mark
wide of the mark
barking up the wrong tree
shooting in the dark
errar na mira
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