par for the course

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

Normal and unsurprising for a particular situation, even if it is inconvenient or disappointing.

Word picture

A result is pictured as the expected score for completing a course in golf.

Example

“A few scheduling delays are par for the course with a project this complex.”

Dictionary details

Component words

par course

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

below par Neutral · CEFR B2

worse than the normal or expected standard

up to speed Neutral · CEFR B1

fully informed about a current situation or topic and ready to proceed

draw the short straw Neutral · CEFR B2

to be selected, often by chance, for an unwanted task or outcome

jack of all trades Neutral · CEFR B2

a versatile person with many useful skills but no necessary specialization

rough edges Neutral · CEFR B2

small flaws that remain without seriously reducing the overall quality

teething troubles Neutral · CEFR C1

small, temporary problems that arise while a new system or activity is getting started

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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