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Synonyms

turn over a new leaf

Cultural  

  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.”

turn over a new leaf Idioms  

  1. 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]

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.

Jean-Pierre will take over the role of press secretary immediately following Psaki's departure on May 13 to turn over a new leaf at MSNBC.

From Salon • May 6, 2022

“Even when people move in different directions or turn over a new leaf there should be consequences,” the Columbia Democrat said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2022

Many people use the New Year to turn over a new leaf - to act in a way that is more rational and in our better interests.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2021

Germany's No. 2 lender is trying to turn over a new leaf under its new chief executive, Manfred Knof.

From Reuters • Aug. 4, 2021

“Don’t talk that way, turn over a new leaf and begin again, Teddy, my son.”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.