Turn over a new leaf

The expression turn over a new leaf is commonly used to describe a fresh start or a significant change in one’s behavior, attitude, or way of life. It implies a deliberate decision to leave behind past mistakes or negative habits and embrace a more positive or improved direction. The phrase suggests that, like turning a page in a book, an individual has the opportunity to start anew, as if they are rewriting their personal story. This expression is often used when someone decides to make a conscious effort to improve themselves, whether in their personal relationships, career, or health. It reflects a sense of hope, renewal, and commitment to positive change. People who decide to turn over a new leaf often do so with the intention of leaving behind old patterns or behaviors that no longer serve them. It is an encouraging phrase, signaling that despite past challenges, there is always an opportunity for growth and transformation. The metaphor is widely used to inspire motivation and to remind others that it’s never too late to change one’s life.

Sample Sentences

1. After years of unhealthy habits, she decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on living a healthier lifestyle.
2. He made a promise to himself to turn over a new leaf and become more patient and understanding.
3. After the breakup, she felt like it was time to turn over a new leaf and embrace a new chapter in her life.
4. He’s been struggling with his career, but he’s determined to turn over a new leaf and pursue something he’s passionate about.
5. The new year feels like the perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf and make better decisions.
6. She was tired of making the same mistakes, so she decided to turn over a new leaf and adopt a more disciplined approach.
7. He promised his family he would turn over a new leaf and make more time for them.
8. After a long period of uncertainty, they were ready to turn over a new leaf and focus on the future.
9. He used to be reckless with money, but now he’s trying to turn over a new leaf and become more responsible.
10. It’s not easy to turn over a new leaf, but she was determined to start fresh after all the challenges she had faced.

Synonyms for “Turn Over a New Leaf”

1. Start fresh
2. Begin anew
3. Make a fresh start
4. Start from scratch
5. Begin with a clean slate
6. Turn a new page
7. Change direction
8. Make a new beginning
9. Start afresh
10. Reboot

Antonyms for “Turn Over a New Leaf”

1. Keep the same old habits
2. Remain stagnant
3. Stay stuck
4. Repeat mistakes
5. Keep doing the same thing
6. Stay unchanged
7. Maintain the status quo
8. Resist change
9. Stay the course
10. Persist with old patterns

Related Words and Expressions

Related Words:

• Change
• Transformation
• Renewal
• Growth
• Improvement
• Fresh start
• Rebirth
• Regeneration
• Overhaul
• Reinvention

Phrasal Verbs:

• Start over (to begin again after a setback or failure)
• Make a change (to alter behavior or direction)
• Pick up where you left off (to resume after a break or change)
• Move on (to progress past something from the past)
• Pick up the pieces (to recover from a difficult situation)

Idiomatic Expressions:

• New leaf (a fresh start or change in behavior)
• Clean slate (a chance to begin again without previous mistakes affecting you)
• Turn the page (to move past the past and embrace a new beginning)
• Start with a blank slate (to begin without any preconceptions or baggage)
• Hit the reset button (to make a fresh start, often after a setback or failure)