one for the books

1. Also, one for the book. An outstanding or unusual achievement or event, as in All of the main awards went to one picture—that's one for the books. This expression originally alluded to record books kept for sports but soon was applied to other endeavors. [Colloquial; c. 1900]

Example Sentences

The marathon Game 3 of the 2025 World Series was one for the books.

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“The delay? Not hers. We will take that. The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched. Put some respect on her name. Keep the takes, but keep her out of them. All love and deep profound admiration for Ms. Lauryn Hill,” they added.

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Among the most shocking actions taken by Donald Trump and the Republicans in the first week of his new administration — and there were many — successfully confirming a totally inexperienced weekend TV show host with obvious character flaws and a penchant for war criminals as defense secretary was one for the books.

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When she could finally get a word in, she said: "This crowd is one for the books - this is different."

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By those standards, headlining a show at the Hollywood Bowl should simply be another feather in his cap, but we know his performance at L.A.’s most beloved outdoor venue will be one for the books as his 30-something years of dishing out his no-holds-barred brand of gritty, everyman snarkiness continue to make him a national treasure.

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