par

be below par

1. to be below the usual or expected standard. His performance yesterday was definitely below par. For some reason her work this week hasn't been up to par.

2. to be slightly ill. Do you mind if we put our meeting off till tomorrow? I'm feeling a bit below par today. After a sleepless night, I wasn't quite up to par.

See also: below

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: course

someone/something par excellence

someone or something par excellence is the best or most extreme example of its type. China is the destination par excellence for the young and trendy these days.

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on a par with someone/something

at the same level as someone or something. With their win today, the Rangers are now on a par with the Orioles in the team rankings.

up to scratch

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: course

up to par

at the usual or expected standard. When your work is up to par we can review your salary again. Are your computer skills up to par?

Usage notes: often used in the form not up to par: She hasn't been up to par since the beginning of last week.

at (a) low ebb