turning over a new leaf
Changing one's ways
Turning over a new leaf means making a fresh start by changing one's behavior or habits for the better.
The leaf is a page, not foliage—you turn to a blank page and begin again: After years of heavy drinking, he's turned over a new leaf.
The phrase implies deliberate reform, often after a period of poor conduct.
- startTo set going
- starting freshBeginning again from zero
- changeTo make different
- renewalMaking current again
- reinventRadically change something existing
growth · fresh start · fresh · fresh perspective · spring cleaning · reform · seed · unfurl · shift · turn over a new leaf · rebirth · metamorphosis · resolution · shoot · blank page · improve · second chance · clean slate
- Weather Idiomsunder the weather, when it rains it pours, come rain or shine, rain check, take a rain check
- well wishesget well soon, feel better, bless you, take care, speedy recovery
- atonementpropitiation, substitution, reconciler, forgiveness, sin offering
turning over a new leafbacksliding
Reverting to former sins
relapsing · falling off the wagon · slipping back · returning to form · set in one's ways
turning over a new leafsame old same old
Wearisome repetition of routine
business as usual · stuck in a rut · set in one's ways · creature of habit · old habits die hard