ENGLISH
REFERENCE

for the book

idiom
Meaning

Notable, remarkable or surprising.


Origin

disputed origin

Some uses reflect the metaphor from turn up for the book, which involves a bookie's book. Other uses reflect the metaphor of the record book (or record books), such that one for the book and its variant one for the books are elliptically synonymous with one for the record book or one for the record books.

Examples
SIMPLE

That goal was one for the books.

CONTEXTUAL

The team won the championship in the final second, making it a victory for the books.

COMPLEX

The unexpected political shift and the subsequent public reaction will surely be remembered as a moment for the books.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blot one's copy book

    To damage one's own reputation through bad behavior.

  2. 02

    book burning

    Any mass destruction, removal, or recalling of books, motion pictures, broadcasts, or electronic works as a form of censorship, especially motivated by religious or political objections to the material.

  3. 03

    book dumping

    The practice of donating old used books that burden rather than assist communities.

  4. 04

    book in

    To check in (to a hotel).

  5. 05

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  6. 06

    close the book on

    To stop worrying about or trying to do something about; to ignore.

  7. 07

    closed book

    A person or thing that cannot be easily understood; someone or something incomprehensible or puzzling.

  8. 08

    judge a book by its cover

    To make judgments about things or people by considering external appearances alone.

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