Stand/stick out a mile Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Negative Nuance This phrase often implies something negative or unwanted is very obvious. His disapproval stood out a mile during the meeting. Pro Tip 2/3Exaggerated Visibility Used to emphasize that something is extremely easy to notice or recognize. The typo in the headline stuck out a mile. Pro Tip 3/3No Hiding Implies that the thing being noticed cannot be concealed. His mismatched socks stuck out a mile; there was no hiding them.