“Par For the Course” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 17, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Par for the course” is a common idiom used in everyday language. This reference will cover the meaning of the phrase “par for the course,” provide examples of its usage, and suggest alternative expressions. Through this, you’ll better understand how idioms shape communication and how this particular phrase has become popular.

“Par For The Course” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “par for the course” is derived from the game of golf, where “par” refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or a round. When something is described as “par for the course,” it means that it is typical, expected, or standard in a particular situation, often implying that it is not surprising or unusual.
Par For The Course
Par For The Course – Created by 7ESL

“Par For The Course” Meaning

The phrase “par for the course” means that something is typical or expected in a particular situation. It often implies that a certain level of performance, behavior, or outcome is normal or standard, especially when discussing situations that may not be ideal.

Examples:

  • “It’s been a tough week, but I suppose that’s just par for the course in this line of work.”
  • “The delays we experienced with the project are par for the course in construction.”

Origin of this idiomatic expression 

As you may have guessed by the wording, this idiomatic expression derived from the game of golf. Every hole on a course in a game of golf has a set amount of shots that a golfer can take to successfully get the ball into the hole. For example, if a hole on the course is a “5 par,” this means the player has five shots to get the ball from the tee position into the hole at the other end. If the golfer does this successfully in that amount of shots, they are considered to be par for the course.

Usage of “Par For The Course”

  • In a workplace context:

“With all the budget cuts and staff shortages, frequent changes in management have become par for the course in our department.”

  • Talking about personal experiences:

“After years of trying to navigate the dating scene, I’ve learned that awkward first dates are just par for the course.”

  • In a discussion about sports:

“Losing a few games early in the season is par for the course when you’re rebuilding a team.”

  • During a conversation about challenges:

“Technical issues are par for the course in software development; you just have to adapt and keep moving forward.”

Related Terms to “Par For The Course”

Here are some related terms or phrases to “par for the course” that convey the idea of something being typical or expected:

  • Business as usual – things are happening as they normally do, even in challenging circumstances.
  • The norm – something that is typical or standard in a situation.
  • Standard procedure – the usual way of doing things.
  • Run-of-the-mill – ordinary or average, nothing special or unusual.
  • Expected outcome – something that is anticipated to happen.
  • Status quo – the existing state of affairs, usually implying no change.
  • In the cards – something that is likely or expected to happen.
  • To be expected – something that isn’t surprising based on past experiences.
  • Nothing out of the ordinary – indicating something is usual or not unexpected.
  • Typical – reflecting what is standard or characteristic of a person or situation.

Other Ways to Say the Term

Here are several alternative ways to express “par for the course”:

  • Normal
  • Typical
  • Standard
  • Usual
  • Predictable
  • What one would expect
  • Only to be expected
  • Expected
  • Average

“Par For The Course” Examples

Example Statements

In a news piece about a local neighborhood, you could see the following stated.

  • “Long hours are par for the course for these city workers after a water main broke earlier today.”

Another example statement from a pro athlete.

  • “Extra training is par for the course if I am going to be given another shot at the title.”

Conversation Examples

Here is a conversation using the idiom between two friends.

  • Friend 1: I don’t like the prices here. They are too expensive.
  • Friend 2: Considering the quality of the food, they are par for the course.

Here is another conversation example taking place between two co-workers.

  • Co-Worker 1: I really dislike the way the company is instituting all of this new AI.
  • Co-Worker 2: Considering that’s the way of the future, it is really par for the course.

More useful examples:

  • Starting early and working long hours is par for the course in this job.
  • It rained all week, but I guess that’s par for the course in Ireland.
  • Long hours and tough working conditions are often par for the course in catering.
  • If you want to be a politician, a little criticism is par for the course.
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