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.
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.
rewrite the record books
(of a sports player) break a record or several records.