Expression: 'off the mark'

[ranky]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #48 "Speed", question 6

You'll have to be quick off the ......... if you want to buy one of those houses because they're selling very fast.

(a) point
(b) stage
(c) mark
(d) spot

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #48 "Speed", answer 6

You'll have to be quick off the mark if you want to buy one of those houses because they're selling very fast.

Correct answer: (c) mark

Your answer was: incorrect
You'll have to be quick off the point if you want to buy one of those houses because they're selling very fast.
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I don't understand the meaning of the 'off the mark'.. Can you explain me please? Thank you very much

[Pamela]

The meaning of to be quick off the mark is fast to start or try something. In other words he must make a haste in order to buy a house

[Ching]

The opposite meaning of it is "to be slow off the mark".