rewrite the record books

rewrite the record books

To achieve a level of success that sets a new record or goes against a history of performing poorly. Used especially in reference to sports. After missing out on the playoffs for nearly 50 years in a row, the team has been on a huge winning streak this season, and it has a chance to rewrite the record books by not only making the playoffs, but winning the whole championship. The up-and-coming player is rewriting the record books with his stunning debut year on the field.
See also: book, record, rewrite
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rewrite the record books

If a sportsperson rewrites the record books, they break a record or several records. This extraordinary West Country team have rewritten all the record books in the past three years. Kournikova is poised to rewrite the tennis history books.
See also: book, record, rewrite
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

rewrite the record books

(of a sports player) break a record or several records.
See also: book, record, rewrite
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray
  • oft
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray
  • the best-laid schemes
  • the best-laid schemes of mice and men
  • bomb out on (something)
  • gley
  • the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley
  • the best-laid plans go astray
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men
References in periodicals archive
ALVECHURCH will need to produce arguably the upset of the Midlands' non-League season to rewrite the record books tonight.
Church pray for miracle; NON-LEAGUE
Without the American's trailblazing example, who is to say that Usain Bolt would even have got the chance to follow in his tracks and rewrite the record books as he has?
Usain Bolt v Jesse Owens; ATHLETICS
It was O'Sullivan's 21st ranking title in a glittering career and one which saw him rewrite the record books - the crowd favourite became the first player for four years to win back-to-back ranking titles.
Snooker: SPORT In Brief - Rocket fire
NEW Zealand coach John Bracewell blamed his side's naivety for allowing England to rewrite the record books at Old Trafford, writes RICHARD GIBSON.
John Bracewell blamed his side's naivety
And as he prepared to rewrite the record books, Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine declared: ``It is fantastic for him and it is fantastic for the club.
Football: Do us proud Wayne; IRVINE'S DELIGHT FOR ENGLAND'S YOUNGEST EVER PLAYER
Stewart, who held the world record for wins for 14 years until his tally of 27 was beaten by Prost in 1987, said: "Michael will rewrite the record books. He is driving for the best team in F1 and he is the most talented Grand Prix driver in the world."
Motor Racing: 'Michael Is Unbeatable'
Just 12 weeks after the birth of her first child, O'Sullivan bounced back with a superb run to rewrite the record books in 24min 27sec to trim 20 seconds off the old record set by Paula Radcliffe in Scotland six months ago.
Athletics: Supersonic
Luke Donald took just 366 days to rewrite the record books, opening this year's event with a 10-under-par 62 to lead the event by a stroke over Mike Weir, who played at Pebble Beach.
Golf: Cool hand Luke