turn a new leaf
Start behaving better
To turn a new leaf is to make a fresh start or change one's behavior for the better.
The leaf is a page, not foliage—turning to a blank page in the book of one's life.
After years of heavy drinking, he decided to turn a new leaf.
Often appears as turn over a new leaf.
- resetRestore to original state
- amendModify or correct
- conversionAct of changing states
- fresh startOpportunity to restart unburdened
- improveRaise in quality
clean slate · new beginning · start over · reform · make amends · change · alteration · better · progress · metamorphosis · recovery · revise · second chance · rejuvenate · introspection · blossoming · new chapter · new dawn
turn a new leafbackslide
Revert to bad habits
relapse · regress · slip back · fall off the wagon · return to form
turn a new leafgo astray
Veer from course
fall from grace · lose one's way · go to the dogs · sell one's soul · hit rock bottom
turn, leaf, turns, turned, turning, turner, turnable, return, newer