mend one's ways
To recognise one's failings and attempt to remedy them.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He promised to mend his ways after the argument.”
“After failing his final exams, he realized he needed to mend his ways and start studying seriously.”
“The judge offered the young offender a chance to mend his ways through community service rather than sending him to prison.”
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 03
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 04
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 05
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 06
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 07
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 08
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
Last updated August 10, 2026