# win one for the Gipper

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/win-one-for-the-gipper
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To do something in memory of another person.

## Examples

- We will win one for the Gipper to honor our late coach.
- The team played their final game with extra heart to win one for the Gipper after their captain retired.
- Inspired by their mentor's lifelong dedication to the cause, the activists vowed to win one for the Gipper in the upcoming election.

## Origin

Attributed to Knute Rockne, coach of the Notre Dame football team, during a 1928 American football game between Notre Dame and the Army. During a half-time talk to his team, who were losing the game, he encouraged the team with the death-bed speech of former player George "The Gipper" Gipp: : "I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy." Popularized by the 1940 film Knute Rockne, All American, which starred future President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, as George Gipp.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.