Turn-up for the books - what does it mean?

Posted by ESC December 07, 2001In reply to Turn-up for the books - what does it mean? posted by James Briggs on December 07, 2001

Could anyone who knows about this phrase let me know by email? I'd be very keen to find out.

andrew.bremner@psy.ox.ac.uk

cheers,

Andy

It means anthing or something unexpected as in:
"Wow, I got a raise AND a bonus today, what a turn for the books"

My guess that it's got something to do with the odds in a Bookmakers 'book'. If you come up with a surprise, it overturns the accepted odds quoted - a turn-up.

I have heard: "That's one for the record books."