What is par for the course?

"Par for the course" is an idiomatic expression meaning something that is normal, typical, or to be expected in a particular situation. The phrase is derived from the game of golf, where "par" refers to the number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole or round. In golf, achieving par is considered standard or average performance. When used in other contexts, the phrase suggests that a certain outcome or situation is not surprising given the circumstances.

For example, if someone says, "Dealing with last-minute changes is par for the course in event planning," they mean that such changes are a normal and expected part of planning events. The phrase is often used to describe situations that are routine, even if they are inconvenient or challenging, implying that one should be prepared for them as part of the usual course of affairs.