Synonyms

turn over a new leaf

Cultural

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

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]

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turn over a new leaf

The group ended the letter saying they hope it inspired Aberaeron to "turn over a new leaf and let mackerel swim free".

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

“I think that they see there’s a real opportunity here to turn over a new leaf so long as they do the right thing,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

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

He said, ‘Brother Wolf, today is a new day and you’re going to turn over a new leaf.’

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer

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

turn over a new leaf

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