1
general::
Phrase(s): 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?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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general::
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]
American Heritage Idioms