turn over a new leaf
English
Etymology
Figurative by the same metaphor as with turn the page.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
turn over a new leaf (third-person singular simple present turns over a new leaf, present participle turning over a new leaf, simple past and past participle turned over a new leaf)
- (idiomatic) To engage in self-improvement; to begin a good habit or shed a bad habit.
- Every year he resolves to turn over a new leaf and start exercising.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- (antonym(s) of “determination to do what is wrong or destructive”): break bad
Translations
to engage in self-improvement
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Further reading
- “turn over a new leaf”, in Cambridge English Dictionary, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: Cambridge University Press, 1999–present.
- “turn over a new leaf” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.
- “turn over a new leaf” (US) / “turn over a new leaf” (UK) in Macmillan English Dictionary.
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