turn over a new leaf
Change one's ways
To turn over a new leaf is to make a fresh start, especially by changing one's behavior or habits for the better.
The expression comes from the idea of turning to a blank page in a book, ready to be written upon.
After years of poor spending habits, she decided to turn over a new leaf and start budgeting.
The phrase often appears in contexts of personal reform or New Year's resolutions.
Opportunity to restart unburdened
- new beginningChance to start again
- transformationThorough change in form
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
self-improvement · reform · redemption · second chance · clean slate · reinvention · pivot · turnaround
Remorseful rejection of past wrongs
- atonementCompensation for wrongdoing
- amendModify or correct
- rectifyTo make something right
- rehabilitateReturn to good condition
redemption · betterment · reconciliation · restitution · penance · correct · mend one's ways · make amends
Restoration of youthful vigor
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- revivalReturn after decline
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
- renaissancePeriod of renewed vitality
revitalization · resurgence · reawakening · restoration · reinvigoration · rekindle · spring · awakening
fresh start
Opportunity to restart unburdened
- new beginningChance to start again
- transformationThorough change in form
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
commitment · self-improvement · reform · redemption · second chance · clean slate · reinvention · pivot · turnaround · course correction
repentance
Remorseful rejection of past wrongs
rehabilitate · redemption · betterment · reconciliation · restitution · penance · correct · mend one's ways · make amends · reformation
rejuvenation
Restoration of youthful vigor
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- revivalReturn after decline
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
renaissance · revitalization · resurgence · reawakening · restoration · reinvigoration · rekindle · spring · awakening · phoenix
- turn phrasesabout face
- resolutionslose weight, quit smoking, save money, eat healthy, get fit
- Personal Changereform, repent, straighten up, improve, rehabilitate
- renewalreinvigoration, restart, reboot, fresh start, regeneration
- gardening termsgrowing, blooming, wilting, pruning, grafting
- changechange, flux, transformation, metamorphosis, alteration
turn over a new leafbackslide
Revert to bad habits
relapse · fall off the wagon · slip back · regress · deteriorate
turn over a new leafgo astray
Veer from course
fall from grace · stray from the path · go to the dogs · go downhill · lose one's way
turn, over, leaf, turning, turned, renewal, overturn, leaflet, renewed