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

Daniel says that agents like Alberto – who fell into gangs and crime at a vulnerable age in the US, but are willing to turn over a new leaf in Mexico – are among his most trusted employees.

From BBC

“I’m tired of being controversial. I’m trying to turn over a new leaf. It is way too soon to be doing jokes about a catastrophe like that.”

From Los Angeles Times

“This is not someone who deserves a break; he has turned every opportunity to turn over a new leaf into a new opportunity to break the law and defy law enforcement. He did not simply walk away and forget to check in with his probation officer,” Spitzer said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m hoping we turn over a new leaf,” said Ira Max, a 72-year-old season ticket holder for 45 years from Wyckoff, New Jersey.

From Seattle Times

All of this gave me an idea: Why not turn over a new leaf and make a big mug of spiced chai?

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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