Meaning of Idiom ‘Par For the Course’
When something is par for the course it is normal, expected, or the usual; something that is the usual outcome and is mediocre and unexceptional; something that past experience suggests should be expected.
Usage Notes
Par for the course is often used to refer to not only mediocre but negative outcomes. In other words, it suggests a sense of resignation that certain negative or undesirable outcomes are to be expected based on past experience.
Sentence Examples
“A C in math is par for the course for me.”
“Unfortunately, corrupt cops are par for the course around here.”
“I had to pay half my roommate’s rent this month—par for the course with this guy.”
“I think there are going to be more lay-offs next month. It’s become par for the course given all these budget cuts.”
Origin
This idiom comes from the game of golf, where the word ‘par’ refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer needs to finish a hole (a course). For example, a par-3 hole, would require an expert golfer 3 strokes to complete, such as one stroke to reach the green and 2 more strokes to sink the ball. A typical golf course has 18 holes and the individual par numbers for the holes are added up to arrive at a total par for the course. So, in golfing, par for the course is the number of total strokes that is considered normal or expected to complete the entire course. This phrase passed into general figurative use during the mid-1900s.
