turn over a new leaf

English

Etymology

Figurative by the same metaphor as with turn the page.

Pronunciation

  • (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)

  1. (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

See also

Further reading

This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.