What it means
To turn up means to show up or arrive, often later than promised, after a long wait, or a bit out of nowhere. You can use it for mates, deliveries, workers, even the police. In British English, a turn-up for the books means a proper surprise, usually a result nobody saw coming.
Usage examples
"She finally turned up at half ten, soaked through, clutching chips. Dave goes, you taking the mick? She goes, relax, I brought cake."
"The plumber finally turned up at half past four on Wednesday, three hours after the original appointment, with a bag of pastries from the bakery down the road and an apology speech that lasted longer than the actual boiler repair did in the kitchen."
"A turn-up for the books at the village hall on Saturday, the home team won the quiz for the first time in nine years, the regular winners from the neighbouring parish were left muttering about luck and bad questions all the way to the carpark exit."
"He said he'd be there for eight and turned up near midnight with a chicken shop bag and the world's flimsiest excuse."
"Mad turn-up for the books, innit. Everyone thought Zara had flopped the exam and she came back with the top mark in the year."
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Where it comes from
Turn up has been in English since the 1500s, first in the plain sense of appearing or coming into view. From there it settled into everyday speech for arriving or showing up. A turn-up for the books is a later British phrase from the 1800s, tied to racing and betting chatter about unexpected results.
Other ways to say it
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