new lease on life

Idioms

A fresh start; renewed vigor and good health, as in Since they bought his store Dad has had a new lease on life. This term with its allusion to a rental agreement dates from the early 1800s and originally referred only to recovery from illness. By the mid-1800s it was applied to any kind of fresh beginning.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While the short-term bump has been great, locals are really hoping for a new lease on life for their deserted mall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

And just as it was set for a new lease on life, a fire tore through the downtown building.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2026

"So that's been really exciting and I haven't really told anyone. I have a new lease on life on court."

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

Extending that strategy to Adams has now provided the New York City mayor with a new lease on life as he’s running for reelection.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2025

The islet was bright and vibrant as the sun slowly rose, freshly washed after the storm, all its colors sparkling with a new lease on life.

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023