matter of course: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘matter of course’ mean?
The idiom "matter of course" means something that is expected or natural and happens without any need for explanation or special attention.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sure enough" means that something expected or predicted actually happened or turned out to be true. It is used to confirm or validate a previous statement or belief.
The idiom "par for the course" means that something is typical or expected in a given situation.
The idiom "much of a muchness" means that two or more things are very similar or almost identical in value or quality.
The idiom "much ado about nothing" means making a fuss or creating a big deal out of something that is unimportant or insignificant.
The idiom "more often than not" means that something is likely to happen or be true most of the time, although there may be exceptions occasionally.
The idiom "money's worth" means receiving value or benefit equal to the amount of money paid for something.
The idiom "might as well" means to do something because there is no more productive or sensible alternative. It implies that the decision to proceed is not based on enthusiasm or conviction, but rather on resignation or practicality.
The idiom "mean the world to" is used to express the extreme importance or value someone or something has in a person's life or well-being.
The idiom "mean business" means to be serious and determined about achieving a goal or taking action.
Intrinsic Expectation
The idiom "matter of course" is a common phrase used in the English language. It refers to something that is routine, expected, or customary. The phrase "go without saying" is closely related to "matter of course." When something "goes without saying," it means that it is so obvious or well-known that it does not need to be stated explicitly. This idiomatic expression emphasizes the underlying assumption that certain things are understood and accepted as a matter of course, without the need for further explanation or discussion.
Another related idiom is "matter of time." When something is described as a "matter of time," it means that it is inevitable or bound to happen eventually. This idiom suggests that the outcome or occurrence is seen as a natural progression or consequence, and it is only a matter of waiting for the expected event to take place. It implies that the result or outcome is expected as a matter of course, based on the existing circumstances or conditions.
The idiom "par for the course" is also relevant to the concept of "matter of course." When something is described as "par for the course," it means that it is typical or what is ordinarily expected. This idiomatic expression originates from the game of golf, where "par" refers to the standard number of strokes needed to complete a hole. By extension, the phrase is used metaphorically to describe situations or events that are considered normal and consistent with what is typically encountered or experienced. It implies that the outcome or behavior is in line with what is commonly expected or accepted as a matter of course.
The idiom "sure enough" is another idiom that can be connected to "matter of course." When something is described as "sure enough," it means that it happened exactly as expected or predicted. This idiomatic expression emphasizes that the outcome or result was not a surprise or deviation from what was anticipated. It suggests that the situation unfolded in a manner that was consistent with what was considered to be the most likely or logical course of events. By using this phrase, individuals can convey that an expected outcome or behavior occurred as a matter of course.
To summarize, the idiom "matter of course" is used to describe something that is routine, expected, or customary. Related idioms such as "go without saying," "matter of time," "par for the course," and "sure enough" provide additional nuances and insights into the underlying assumptions, inevitability, typicality, and predictability associated with actions, events, or behaviors considered as a matter of course.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom matter of course can be used in a sentence:
- It is a matter of course for employees to attend safety training before starting their jobs.
- For most people, eating breakfast is a matter of course and not something they think twice about.
- In this organization, promoting employees based on qualifications and experience is a matter of course.
More "Usage" idioms
