turned over a new leaf
Started fresh now
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 draws on the image of turning to a blank page in a book, ready to be written anew.
After years of reckless spending, she turned over a new leaf and started saving.
The phrase often appears in contexts of personal reform or resolution, particularly around the new year or after a significant life event.
- reformedImproved after abandoning wrongdoing
- clean slateRecord wiped clear
- wipe the slate cleanForgive and forget completely
- changeTo make different
- change of heartReversal of opinion
amend · make amends · redemption · straight and narrow · improve · kick the habit · resolve · fresh start · start fresh · clean break · progress · rebirth · new lease on life · resolution · second chance · commitment · reinvention · betterment
turned over a new leafbackslid
Reverted to bad habits
relapsed · fell off the wagon · slipped back · fell from grace · regressed
turned over a new leafgave up
Abandoned an attempt
threw in the towel · dug in one's heels · talked the talk · old habits die hard · same old same old
turned, turning, turner, turnover, overly, newest, newness, renew, renewal