turn up for the book

== English == === Alternative forms === turn-up for the book, turn up for the books, turn-up for the books === Etymology === Originally from racecourse betting, from turn up (“stroke of luck”) and book (“record of betting; bookmaker”). === Pronunciation === === Noun === turn up for the book (plural (rare) turn ups for the book) (idiomatic) A very unexpected, usually pleasant, surprise. ==== Usage notes ==== The plural form turn ups for the book is rarely used outside journalism. The phrase turn up for the books is not a plural form, but an alternative singular form. ==== Derived terms ==== for the book ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === Gary Martin (1997–), “A turn up for the books”, in The Phrase Finder. Eric Partridge (2005), “turn-up for the books”, in Tom Dalzell and Terry Victor, editors, The New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, volume 2 (J–Z), London; New York, N.Y.: Routledge, →ISBN, page 2021.