course

as a matter of course

if something happens as a matter of course, it happens without people thinking about whether they want it or not. I don't think the Welsh language should be taught in schools as a matter of course - if students want to learn it, that's their choice.

See also: matter

be on a collision course

if two people or groups are on a collision course, they are doing or saying things which are certain to cause a serious disagreement or a fight between them. All attempts at diplomacy have broken down and the two states now appear to be on a collision course. The British government is on a collision course with the American administration over trade tariffs. (often + with)

See also: collision

be on course for something

to be very likely to succeed at something. If he keeps playing like this, Henman is on course for his third victory.

be par for the course

if the way something happens or is done is par for the course, it happens or is done as you would expect, especially when you do not think this is very good. 'Gareth was half an hour late.' 'That's just par for the course, isn't it?'

See also: par

Horses for courses. (British & Australian)

something that you say which means that it is important to choose suitable people for particular activities because everyone has different skills. Ah well, horses for courses. Just because a plumber can mend your washing machine, it doesn't follow that he can mend your car as well.

See also: Horse

in due course (slightly formal)

if you say that something will happen in due course, you mean that it will happen at a suitable time in the future. You will receive notification of the results in due course.

See also: due

let nature take its course

to allow someone or something to live or die naturally. By this stage, her illness was so severe that the doctors agreed to let nature take its course rather than prolong her suffering. We plant the seeds in springtime and then just let nature take its course.

See also: let, nature, take

put/set someone on a collision course

be on a collision course - if two people or groups are on a collision course, they are doing or saying things which are certain to cause a serious disagreement or a fight between them. Her statements to the press have put her on a collision course with the party leadership. (usually + with)

See also: collision, set

run its course

if something runs its course, it continues naturally until it has finished. Many people believe that feminism has run its course. The doctor insisted I rest for a few days while the infection ran its course.

See also: run

stay the course

to continue to do something that is difficult or takes a long time until it is finished. Giving up smoking won't be easy - you must be prepared to stay the course.

See also: stay

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as a matter of course

naturally or automatically. Many pet owners lavish affection on their animals as a matter of course.

See also: matter

in due course

after a certain period. They're working on the plan and will announce it in due course.

See also: due

let nature take its course

to allow something to happen naturally. Normally, the Parks Department lets nature take its course and doesn't replace dead trees, but this situation is different.

See also: let, nature, take

of course

1. obviously yes. “May I use your telephone?” “Of course, go right ahead.”

Usage notes: often used in the phrase of course not obviously no: “Is she really going to leave without paying?” “Of course not.”

2. it is obvious. Of course you should call the doctor if she starts feeling worse.

off course

not moving forward as wanted or expected. The opinion polls show that voters think the government has gone off course.

on course

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of a ship or spacecraft going in the wrong direction

on course

moving forward as desired or expected. Are we on course to finish this book on time?

off course

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of a ship or spacecraft going in the right direction

par for the course

what should be expected because of past experience. The school budget is going to be cut again this year, but then that's par for the course.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of par for the course (= the expected number of times a good player in golf will hit the ball to get it in all the holes)

See also: par

run its course

to continue until finished. Unfortunately, a cold has to run its course. It was a wonderful show, but I think this play has run its course.

See also: run

stay the course

to continue doing something, even when it is difficult. I will stay the course and finish the job I was hired to do.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of a ship continuing in the same direction, even in bad conditions

See also: stay