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 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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Salon

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

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

It's a bad idea to make sweeping statements about them finally jumping the shark since they always manage to outdo themselves but this week is certainly one for the books — if only because the stakes are so very high and they have sunk so very low.

From Salon

Related Words

• anomaly 
• aspect 
• circumstance 
• episode 
• event 
• experience 
• fact 
• incident 
• miracle 
• paradox 
• reality 
• sensation