Par for the Course: Typical Twists and Ordinary Tales
Definition 🏌️♂️
Par for the course: Just about average or typical. Originally a golfing term where ‘par’ refers to the ideal number of strokes for a particular hole or an entire course. In everyday speech, it often carries a mildly derogatory tone, suggesting the expected, though not necessarily exciting.
Synonyms 📚
- Standard fare
- Average
- Routine
- Typical
- Status quo
Antonyms 🚫
- Exceptional
- Uncommon
- Extraordinary
- Unusual
Humorous Quotes 🤣
- “Being late is just par for the course. I’d be surprised if he showed up on time and didn’t cause a scandal somewhere.” – Unknown
- “Eating too many donuts and then complaining about weight gain? Sounds par for the course.” – Someone who totally gets it.
Proverbs & Expressions 🌟
- It’s the nature of the beast (meaning it’s an expected aspect of the subject at hand)
- That’s life (c’est la vie)
- You reap what you sow (proverb indicating you get out of life what you put in)
- It is what it is (sometimes, things are just predestined)
Intriguing References & Recommendations 📚
- Books:
- “The Idiom Advantage” by Joann Hobbs
- “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon (a book where things “par for the course” are upended)
- Songs:
- “Life Goes On” by BTS
- “Everyday” by Buddy Holly (cause sometimes “everyday” is par for the course!)
- Movies:
- “Groundhog Day” (the ultimate par for the course day… over and over)
- “Office Space” (where average becomes hilariously, painfully typical)
- Poetry:
- “If—” by Rudyard Kipling (deals with taking life’s median moments in stride)
Quizzes 🙋♂️
### Which phrase means the same as "par for the course"?
- [x] Standard fare
- [ ] A bird in the hand
- [ ] Flying parsnips
- [ ] Happy as a clam
> **Explanation:** "Standard fare" parallels the idea of something that is expected or typical, much like "par for the course."
### True or False: The term "par for the course" originated from baseball.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! "Par for the course" originated from golf, where 'par' denotes the expected number of strokes to complete a hole or course.
### What is the opposite of "par for the course"?
- [ ] Status quo
- [ ] Typical
- [x] Extraordinary
- [ ] Routine
> **Explanation:** "Extraordinary" is the opposite of "par for the course," which denotes something that stands out as exceptional rather than the norm.
### If someone says "it’s just par for the course" they are:
- [ ] Elated
- [ ] Shocked
- [ ] Lost
- [x] Unimpressed
> **Explanation:** Saying "it’s just par for the course" often suggests a lack of surprise and a generally unimpressed or resigned attitude.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell 🌈
And therein lies the essence of life! What’s par for the course may not always be surprising or thrill-inducing, but sometimes it’s the steady rhythm we need. Remember that even in the ordinary, there’s a unique beauty waiting to be appreciated. So go, find your extraordinary in the midst of the mundane. 🌟
With love and linguistic curiosity, Patricia Putterwise
