Turn over a new leaf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Turn over a new leaf" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a fresh start or a change in behavior, often towards a more positive direction. Example: "After years of struggling with bad habits, she decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on her health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You want to turn over a new leaf.

The New Yorker

Let's turn over a new leaf in 2003.

The New York Times

Who is going to help us turn over a new leaf?

The New York Times

"Now we have an opportunity to turn over a new leaf," Mr. Barak said.

The New York Times

"You believe that people who get it wrong can turn over a new leaf.

The Guardian

Everyone needs to evolve, and I need to turn over a new leaf.

The Guardian - Film

"Hey, who is going to help us turn over a new leaf?

The Guardian

But in The Bay of Angels she seems determined to turn over a new leaf.

The Guardian - Books

Labour will need to turn over a new leaf as far as spin is concerned.

The Guardian

Those moves have raised the question of whether Baidu has chosen to turn over a new leaf on copyright issues.

The New York Times - Tech

He's looking to turn over a new leaf with his daughter after the hit, but it goes wrong.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Turn over a new leaf" when you want to emphasize a deliberate decision to change one's behavior for the better, especially after acknowledging past mistakes or shortcomings.

Common error

While "Turn over a new leaf" is a common idiom, overuse can make your writing sound unoriginal. Consider using synonyms like "make a fresh start" or "begin anew" to add variety and freshness to your expression.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "turn over a new leaf" is to act as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples confirm its use to describe the act of making a fresh start or changing one's behavior for the better.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "turn over a new leaf" is a very common phrase used to describe a commitment to changing one's behavior for the better. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it may be more suitable for informal or general writing. For a more formal tone, consider alternative phrases such as "make a fresh start" or "begin anew". Overall, "turn over a new leaf" is an effective way to express an intention to adopt new, improved habits or behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Start afresh

Emphasizes a completely new beginning, wiping the slate clean.

Make a fresh start

Highlights the act of beginning again with a clean slate.

Begin anew

Suggests starting something again, often implying a change in approach.

Start on a clean slate

Similar to making a fresh start, but with emphasis on erasing past mistakes.

Reform oneself

Focuses on changing one's behavior or habits for the better.

Change one's ways

Indicates altering one's habitual behavior or lifestyle.

Mend your ways

Implies correcting one's behavior, particularly after wrongdoing.

Clean up your act

Suggests improving one's behavior, often to avoid trouble or criticism.

Take a new direction

Focuses on changing the course of one's life or actions.

Embark on a new chapter

Highlights the beginning of a new phase in life, often after a significant change.

FAQs

How can I use "Turn over a new leaf" in a sentence?

You can use "Turn over a new leaf" to express a commitment to changing one's behavior for the better. For example, "After his arrest, he resolved to "turn over a new leaf" and become a responsible citizen."

What is the difference between "Turn over a new leaf" and "Start afresh"?

"Turn over a new leaf" implies changing bad habits, while "start afresh" simply means beginning again, not necessarily after wrongdoing.

What are some alternatives to saying "Turn over a new leaf"?

Some alternatives include "make a fresh start", "begin anew", or "reform oneself". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "Turn over a new leaf" in formal writing?

While "Turn over a new leaf" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct and less idiomatic phrases like "commit to reform" or "initiate a new chapter".