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Synonyms

one for the books

Idioms  

  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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

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

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2024

But trial testimony last week was one for the books.

From Slate • Nov. 13, 2023

The ensuing journey, which involves spying, sickness and snakes, is one for the books.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2023

I’m already half praying for a blackout and half smiling because this will be one for the books.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.