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3. turn over a new leaf

turn over a new leaf

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turn over a new leaf

Fig. to begin again, fresh; to reform and begin again. (Fig. on turning to a fresh page. The leaf is a page—a fresh, clean page.) I have made a mess of my life. I'll turn over a new leaf and hope to do better. Why don't you turn over a new leaf and surprise everyone with your good characteristics?

See also: leaf, new, turn

turn over a new leaf

to start behaving in a different way Apparently he's turned over a new leaf and he's not drinking any more.

Usage notes: usually suggesting an improvement in behavior

Related vocabulary: turn the page

See also: leaf, new, turn

turn over a new leaf

to start behaving in a better way Apparently he's turned over a new leaf and he's not drinking any more.

See also: leaf, new, turn

turn over a new leaf

Make a fresh start, change one's conduct or attitude for the better, as in He promised the teacher he would turn over a new leaf and behave himself in class. This expression alludes to turning the page of a book to a new page. [Early 1500s]

See also: leaf, new, turn