1ear·mark 
/ˈiɚˌmɑɚk/ noun
plural ear·marks /ˈiɚˌmɑɚk/ noun [count] : a mark or quality that shows what something is or what it could be
▪ The business plan had (all) the earmarks of success. [=it seemed likely to succeed] — compare hallmark
▪ The business plan had (all) the earmarks of success. [=it seemed likely to succeed] — compare hallmark
