a turn-up for the book

a turn-up for the book(s)

A remarkable, unusual, and unexpected event, occurrence, or piece of news. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Mr Literature Snob reading a trashy romance novel? Now that's a turn-up for the books! A: "After the concert, I ran into the singer at a pub down the road from the venue. It turns out his mother went to the same school as mine!" B: "Wow, there's a turn-up for the book!"

a turn-up for the book

a completely unexpected event or occurrence; a surprise. In this expression, turn-up refers to the turning up or over of a particular card in a game, while the book in question is one kept by a bookie to record bets made on a race.See also: book

a ˌturn-up for the ˈbook(s)

(British English, informal) an unusual or unexpected event: Everyone thought John would win, so when Richard won it was a real turn-up for the books.This expression comes from gambling. A turn-up was a horse, etc. that won unexpectedly, to the benefit of bookmakers, and books are the records of bets.See also: book