# turn over a new leaf

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/turn-over-a-new-leaf
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To engage in self-improvement; to begin a good habit or shed a bad habit.

## Examples

- He decided to turn over a new leaf and quit smoking.
- I turn over a new leaf today by eating more vegetables.
- You turn over a new leaf when you start exercising every morning.
- After getting a warning at work, she turned over a new leaf and started arriving on time every day.
- My brother finally turned over a new leaf by cleaning his room every weekend and helping with the dishes after dinner.
- The neighbors turned over a new leaf and apologized for their loud music after we talked to them about the noise.
- After failing his first exam, the student turned over a new leaf and spent every afternoon studying in the library.
- Fresh out of prison and determined to rebuild his life, he turned over a new leaf, cutting ties with his old crowd and enrolling in night classes.

## Origin

The expression employs the same figurative metaphor as turn the page, using leaf in its earlier sense of a page in a book. While modern usage refers to personal reform, the imagery is that of a reader advancing to a blank sheet to begin a new entry.

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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.