turn over a new leaf

1. To begin anew; to change one's ways: “Since he was grounded, Larry has turned over a new leaf and does his homework every night.”

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

• amend
• improve
• rebuild
• rehabilitate
• remake
• renovate
• reorganize
• repair
• resolve
• restore
• revise
• revolutionize
• standardize
• transform