‘Par For The Course’, Meaning & Context

The idiom “par for the course” is used to describe something that is to be expected or considered normal. It is often used in a negative sense to describe something that is not ideal, but it can also be used in a positive sense to describe something that is satisfactory.

The origin of  “par for the course”

The idiom “par for the course” originated in the game of golf. In golf, “par” is the number of strokes that a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. If a golfer takes more strokes than par, they are said to have “gone over par.” If they take fewer strokes than par, they are said to have “gone under par.”

The idiom “par for the course” came to be used outside of golf to describe anything that is considered normal or expected. For example, if you have a bad day at work, you might say that it was “par for the course,” meaning that you always have a bad day at work. Or, if you get a flat tire on your way to work, you might say that it was “just par for the course,” meaning you’re always having bad luck.

The idiom “par for the course” can be used to describe something that you expect to be not ideal. For example, if you have a difficult boss, you might say that their behaviour is “par for the course.” Or, if you live in a big city, you might say that traffic jams are “par for the course.”

In a positive sense, the idiom “par for the course” can be used to describe something that is satisfactory. For example, if you get an A on a test after generally doing well all round you may say that it was “par for the course.” Or, if you finish a marathon in four hours after rigorous training, you might say that it’s “par for the course.”

The idiom “par for the course” is a reminder that life is not always perfect. There will be ups and downs, good days and bad days. But if we can learn to expect the unexpected, we can better handle whatever life throws our way.

Par for the course

Golf as a rich source of idioms. Here are some examples

• In the rough: This idiom means to be in a difficult situation. It comes from the fact that the rough is the area of grass around the fairway that is not mowed as short. Golfers who hit their ball into the rough often have a difficult time getting it close to the hole. One can say, “I missed the turnoff so now we’re way off corse. We’re in the rough.”
• A hole in one: This idiom means to make a perfect shot that goes from the tee to the hole in one stroke. It is a very rare event, and it is often considered to be the best shot that a golfer can make. One may say “You said you were going to ask her out. I thought it would take at least five or six attempts but well done, it’s a hole in one.”
• Birdie: This idiom means to score one stroke under par on a hole. It is a good score, but it is not as good as an eagle (two strokes under par) or a hole in one. “You almost did it: it’s a birdie.
• Albatross: This means to score three strokes under par on a hole. It is a very rare score, and it is considered to be even better than an eagle.” An albatross! What a fluke, you lucky devil.”
• A mulligan: This idiom is a slang term for a do-over or do it again. It comes from the fact that golfers sometimes hit a bad shot and ask their caddy for a mulligan. This is not allowed in official tournaments, but it is often used in casual games.”We got off to a bad start at the beginning of this meeting. Let’s take a mulligan.”

In conclusion, the idiom “par for the course” is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is a useful way to describe something that is to be expected, whether it is good or bad. The idiom reminds us that life is not always perfect, but that we can better handle whatever life throws our way if we learn to expect the unexpected.