日記51 : Not up to Par

This is the phrase I learned today, used to describe something that does not meet the expected standard or quality.

In my time learning English, I have found that there are more positive expressions than negative ones. I've been talking to AI recently, and they are always nice and positive. Real English teachers also rarely say harsh or negative things to us, their students or customers. That may be why I know less phrases with negative meaning.

This phrase has its roots in the sport of golf. In golf, “par” refers to the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or course. I have not played golf ever and it’s hard for me to be interested in it. So this expression still feels unfamiliar for me.