par for the course
What you would normally expect
Literalmente: The standard number of strokes for a golf course
Use it to describe a predictable situation, especially one that is slightly frustrating but totally expected.
En 15 segundos
- Used for things that are typical or expected.
- Often describes a predictable, slightly negative situation.
- Comes from golf terminology meaning 'standard score'.
- Great for reacting to recurring events without surprise.
Significado
This phrase describes something that is typical or exactly what you expected to happen. It is usually used when something slightly annoying or predictable occurs, and you aren't surprised at all.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Dealing with a slow computer at work
My laptop crashed again, but that's par for the course with these old models.
My laptop crashed again, but that's what you'd expect with these old models.
Texting a friend about a late mutual acquaintance
He's 20 minutes late? That's par for the course for him.
He's 20 minutes late? That's typical for him.
Discussing rainy weather in London
It rained during our picnic, which is par for the course in England.
It rained during our picnic, which is exactly what usually happens in England.
Contexto cultural
The phrase originated in the game of golf in the early 1900s, where 'par' represents the standard level of performance. It transitioned into general English as a way to describe any expected outcome, reflecting the deep influence of British and American sporting culture on everyday speech. It captures a specific type of weary acceptance often found in Western workplace humor.
The 'Slightly Negative' Rule
While it means 'normal,' we almost always use it for things that are a little bit bad or annoying. You wouldn't usually say 'I got a promotion, which is par for the course!'
Golf Knowledge Not Required
Most Americans and Brits who use this phrase have never played a game of golf in their lives. Don't worry about the sports aspect; just treat it as a synonym for 'typical.'
En 15 segundos
- Used for things that are typical or expected.
- Often describes a predictable, slightly negative situation.
- Comes from golf terminology meaning 'standard score'.
- Great for reacting to recurring events without surprise.
What It Means
Imagine you have a friend who is always ten minutes late. When they show up late again, you might say it is par for the course. It means their behavior is normal, expected, and follows a predictable pattern. It is not a compliment, but it is not a huge insult either. It simply means 'this is how things usually go.' You are acknowledging a standard reality, even if that reality is a bit frustrating.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as an adjective to describe a situation. You can say 'That is par for the course' or 'It was par for the course.' It often follows the verb to be. You do not need to change the words; the phrase stays exactly as it is. It works perfectly when you want to sound calm about a recurring problem. It shows you are experienced enough not to be shocked by life's little hiccups.
When To Use It
Use it when your flight is delayed for the third time this year. Use it when your boss asks for a report at 4:55 PM on a Friday. It is great for office small talk or venting to friends. If your local coffee shop runs out of oat milk again, tell your partner, 'Well, that’s par for the course.' It helps you bond with others over shared, predictable frustrations. It makes you sound like a native speaker who understands the 'way of the world.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for big, shocking surprises. If you win the lottery, that is definitely NOT par for the course. Avoid using it for very tragic events, as it can sound too dismissive or cold. Also, do not use it to describe something brand new or unique. If a situation is rare, this phrase will confuse people. It is strictly for the 'same old, same old' moments in life.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes straight from the world of golf. In golf, par is the number of swings a good player should need to finish a hole. If a hole is a 'par 4,' you are expected to finish it in four hits. By the early 20th century, people started using it outside of sports. It moved from the green grass of the golf course to the cubicles of the office. It reflects the English-speaking world's love for sports metaphors to describe social expectations.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say 'That figures' or 'Typical.' However, par for the course sounds a bit more idiomatic and polished. Sometimes people say 'standard fare,' but that is more about food or entertainment. In the UK, you might hear 'typical' more often, but par for the course is understood everywhere. It remains one of the most common sports-based idioms in the English language today.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any social or professional situation. Just remember that it carries a tone of 'weary acceptance'—use it when you want to show that you aren't surprised by a recurring event.
The 'Slightly Negative' Rule
While it means 'normal,' we almost always use it for things that are a little bit bad or annoying. You wouldn't usually say 'I got a promotion, which is par for the course!'
Golf Knowledge Not Required
Most Americans and Brits who use this phrase have never played a game of golf in their lives. Don't worry about the sports aspect; just treat it as a synonym for 'typical.'
Don't say 'The' Par
Avoid saying 'That is the par for the course.' The 'the' only goes before 'course.' It is always just `par for the course`.
Ejemplos
6My laptop crashed again, but that's par for the course with these old models.
My laptop crashed again, but that's what you'd expect with these old models.
Shows the speaker is used to the technical failure.
He's 20 minutes late? That's par for the course for him.
He's 20 minutes late? That's typical for him.
Used to express a lack of surprise at someone's habit.
It rained during our picnic, which is par for the course in England.
It rained during our picnic, which is exactly what usually happens in England.
A relatable observation about weather patterns.
Flour on the ceiling? Par for the course when I try to bake!
Flour on the ceiling? That's what normally happens when I bake!
Self-deprecating humor about one's own lack of skills.
More budget cuts are par for the course this time of year.
More budget cuts are expected at this time of year.
Acknowledges a recurring corporate reality.
He didn't even call to say goodbye, which is sadly par for the course with him.
He didn't even call, which is unfortunately typical behavior for him.
Expresses disappointment mixed with a lack of surprise.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a predictable delay.
The train was delayed by an hour, but that's ___ during the winter months.
Winter delays are expected, making them 'par for the course'.
Identify the correct usage in a social context.
Sarah forgot her keys again. Honestly, it's ___ for her.
Since Sarah frequently forgets her keys, it is a typical or expected behavior.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Par for the Course'
Talking to family about a broken toaster.
The toaster burnt the bread? Par for the course.
Most common usage; fits in most daily conversations.
Traffic was bad, but that's par for the course.
Used in business to describe market trends.
Fluctuations are par for the course in this industry.
Where to use 'Par for the Course'
Commuting
The bus is late again.
Office Life
The printer is jammed.
Weather
It's raining in Seattle.
Personal Habits
A friend losing their phone.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasUsually, no. It implies that something is average or expected, often in a negative way. For example, if you say someone's work is par for the course, it might mean it's just okay, not great.
Yes, it is considered neutral. You can use it to describe market conditions or project delays, such as saying 'Minor setbacks are par for the course in construction.'
In golf, 'par' is good, but in this idiom, it just means 'standard.' It's neither good nor bad, but the context is usually about a frustration you've accepted.
You could say something is 'unheard of' or 'unprecedented.' These phrases describe things that are totally unexpected.
It is very common in both! It's a universal English idiom that works in London, New York, or Sydney.
No, the phrase is fixed. You must use course because it refers specifically to a golf course.
Absolutely. It's very common in casual conversation to describe annoying habits, like That's par for the course for him.
Not at all. You can use it for weather, machines, companies, or even your own luck.
Not really. While it's been around for a century, people of all ages still use it daily in offices and homes.
It rhymes with 'car' or 'far.' Make sure to emphasize the 'p' sound clearly.
Frases relacionadas
Standard fare
Something that is ordinary or commonly provided.
The name of the game
The most important aspect or typical quality of a situation.
Typical
Showing the characteristics of a particular person or thing (often used sarcastically).
Business as usual
An unchanging state of affairs despite difficulties.
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