English idiom · neutral · spoken & written · BrE & AmE

turn over a new leaf: meaning and examples

turn over a new leaf means start behaving in a better way.

Memory hook: Build a clear mental picture from “turn over a new leaf” and connect it to this meaning: start behaving in a better way.

How to use “turn over a new leaf”

Common mistake: Treat “turn over a new leaf” as a fixed expression. Notice its exact word order in the examples.

Learn it in context

This expression belongs to Lesson 19, where you can compare it with other idioms about change and practise it interactively.

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