# mend one's ways

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mend-ones-ways
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To recognise one's failings and attempt to remedy them.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.