Fluvia
Level C2

par for the course

exactly what one would expect; typical

In Spanish

exactly what one would expect; typical

Examples

  • Late merges before a release? Par for the course at this company.
  • Delays in construction projects are par for the course these days.
  • Criticism from the media is par for the course for any public figure.

When it's used

This idiom is informal and originates from golf, used to describe something expected or typical. It's common in casual conversation and opinion pieces. It's less frequent in formal or academic contexts.

The common mistake

A common mistake is saying 'pair for the course', assuming 'pair' is the correct term. This error arises from not recognizing 'par' as a technical golf term in English.

Related idioms

FROM WHAT YOU READ TO WHAT YOU SAY

Recognising it isn't the same as using it

Reading an idiom and understanding it is step one. Dropping it into a conversation, at the right moment, without stopping to think, is another — and that only comes from speaking.

Practise speaking