mended one's ways
Turned over leaf
To mend one's ways is to reform one's behavior, abandoning bad habits or wrongdoing for better conduct.
The phrase implies a recognized pattern of misbehavior followed by genuine change: After his arrest, he finally mended his ways.
Often used skeptically: She claims to have mended her ways, but I'll believe it when I see it.
- turned over a new leafMade a lasting change
- self-improvementEnhancing oneself deliberately
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- repentanceRemorseful rejection of past wrongs
morality · self-reflection · redemption · born again · personal growth · straight and narrow · right track · integrity · restitution · accountability · lesson learned · honesty · humility · trust-building · self-discipline · clean slate · fresh start · virtue
moral/behavioral trajectory
mended one's waysgone astray
Lost from proper course
relapsed · backslid · fallen from grace · slipped back · fallen off the wagon