turn over a new leaf

1. To begin anew; to change one's ways: “Since he was grounded, Larry has turned over a new leaf and does his homework every night.”

Idioms and Phrases

Make a fresh start, change one's conduct or attitude for the better, as in He promised the teacher he would turn over a new leaf and behave himself in class. This expression alludes to turning the page of a book to a new page. [Early 1500s]

Related Words

• amend 
• improve 
• rebuild 
• rehabilitate 
• remake 
• renovate 
• reorganize 
• repair 
• resolve 
• restore 
• revise 
• revolutionize 
• standardize 
• transform