turns over a new leaf
Starts behaving better
To turn over a new leaf is to make a fresh start by changing one's behavior or habits for the better.
The leaf is a page in a book—turning to a blank page suggests beginning anew: After years of reckless spending, she turned over a new leaf and started saving.
Often used with resolutions or reform after a period of poor conduct.
- self-improvementEnhancing oneself deliberately
- clean slateRecord wiped clear
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- change of heartReversal of opinion
fresh · fresh start · start fresh · rehabilitation · hopefulness · metamorphosis · reinvention · redemption · repentance · blank page · clean break · rebirth · optimism · commitment · reformation · determination · regeneration · plant
turns over a new leafbackslides
Reverts to worse behavior
relapses · falls off the wagon · regresses · goes downhill · deteriorates
turns, turned, turning, turner, turners, newest, newness, renew, renewal