in the ordinary way
1. In the normal, standard, or typical fashion or means. The issue will have to work its way through the courts in the ordinary way before the Supreme Court will consider the case. I know you're the boss's nephew, but there are no shortcuts here. If you want a promotion, you'll have to pursue it in the ordinary way—through hard work and effort. Our love story unfolded in the ordinary way, I'd say—we met, became friends, and eventually started going out.
2. As usual; as to be expected. We told him to be there at 9 PM on the dot, but, in the ordinary way, he showed up about 15 minutes late. And, in the ordinary way, he ignored my instructions. It's so frustrating, but I don't know why I'm even surprised at this point. A: "Wait, you haven't gotten your test results?" B: "Nope. In the ordinary way, the doctor still has yet to call me."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.