Par for the course

Definitions

• Something that is typical, expected, or normal
  Used to describe a situation or outcome that is not surprising or unexpected, as it is what is typically seen or experienced in a particular situation or activity.

• Accepting or tolerating something that is not ideal or desired
  Used to express resignation or acknowledgement of a less-than-ideal situation or outcome. Can also imply that the person has come to expect such occurrences.

Examples of Par for the course

• The teacher's strict grading policy is par for the course at this school.

  This idiom means that something is typical or expected in a particular situation. In this example, the teacher's strict grading policy is not unusual or surprising at this school, as it is common for teachers there to have similar policies. This phrase is commonly used to describe situations that are not particularly pleasant or enjoyable, but are simply a part of the norm.

Conclusion

The idiom "par for the course" is often used to describe a situation that is typical or expected. It can also convey a sense of acceptance or tolerance of something that may not be ideal. This phrase is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including sports, work, and everyday life.

In sports, "par for the course" refers to the expected number of strokes it should take a skilled golfer to complete a hole or course. This meaning has evolved to describe any expected or typical outcome in a given situation. For example, if someone consistently performs at an average level, they may be described as "par for the course."

In a work or business setting, "par for the course" can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is not surprising or unexpected. This can be used to manage expectations or to express a sense of resignation about a less-than-ideal situation. It can also imply that the person has become used to such occurrences and no longer finds them unusual.

In everyday life, "par for the course" can be used to describe any situation or outcome that is typical or expected. For example, if it rains on a day that was forecasted to be sunny, someone may say "par for the course" to express that this is a common occurrence and not unexpected.

Origin of "Par for the course"

The origin of the idiom "par for the course" can be traced back to the game of golf. In golf, "par" refers to the expected number of strokes it should take a skilled golfer to complete a hole or course. Over time, this term evolved to be used in a more general sense to describe anything that is expected or typical.

The phrase "par for the course" first appeared in print in the late 1800s, but it became more popular in the 1900s. It is believed to have originated in Scotland, the birthplace of golf, and spread throughout the English-speaking world. Today, it is commonly used in both British and American English.

In its original golfing context, "par for the course" was used to describe a golfer's performance on a particular hole or course. As its usage expanded, it came to be used in a more figurative sense to describe any situation or outcome that is typical or expected.