turn a new leaf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'turn a new leaf' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to make a fresh start, or to start behaving better or differently than before. For example: After years of struggling with addiction, he decided to turn a new leaf and improve his life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mr. Kindler said he intended to turn a new leaf on the legal troubles, too.

The New York Times

"What better way to turn a new leaf and go from being the biggest loser to the biggest hero?

The Guardian

I'm usually not very good at documenting my work but hopefully this site can help me turn a new leaf.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

While in no way a fan of Mr. Spitzer's personal behavior, I admire his determination to turn a new leaf.

The New York Times

Western leaders were right to have given him a chance to turn a new leaf after 2003, when he renounced his nuclear programme.

The Economist

The commission, she said, "has made it absolutely clear that the F.E.I. must turn a new leaf in order to guarantee its community a clean and uncorrupt product".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We're turning a new leaf on that today".

The New York Times

Is he turning a new leaf, or building his F.B.I. connections to betray them later on?

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Simpson, who had gotten "ready in a conference room," she said, was turning a new leaf.

The New York Times

"It will mean burying discord and disunity and turning a new leaf of harmony and prosperity".

The New York Times

Has the Leader of the Revolution truly turned a new leaf?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn a new leaf" when you want to express a deliberate decision to change one's behavior or circumstances for the better. It implies a commitment to leaving behind past mistakes or negative patterns.

Common error

Avoid using "turn a new leaf" casually for minor changes. The phrase implies a significant and sustained effort to change, not just a temporary adjustment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn a new leaf" functions as an idiomatic expression, serving as a metaphor for making a fresh start or changing one's behavior for the better. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Huffington Post

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Vice

8%

Wikipedia

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turn a new leaf" is a common idiom signifying a fresh start or a commitment to change one's behavior for the better. Ludwig's AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. It serves as a metaphor for renewal and is appropriate in a neutral register. Related phrases include "make a fresh start" and "begin anew". When using this expression, ensure it reflects a genuine intention to change, rather than a superficial adjustment. The phrase implies a significant and sustained effort to leave behind negative habits or patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn a new page

Variant that is semantically interchangeable with 'turn a new leaf'.

make a fresh start

Focuses on the beginning aspect more directly.

start over

A more concise and general way to express beginning again.

begin anew

Emphasizes the newness and opportunity for change.

reform one's ways

Specifically refers to improving one's behavior.

mend one's ways

Similar to 'reform one's ways' but with a connotation of fixing something broken.

change for the better

Highlights the positive direction of the change.

improve oneself

Focuses on personal growth and betterment.

embark on a new path

Suggests a significant change in direction or life choices.

reset one's life

Implies a more drastic change or overhaul.

FAQs

What does it mean to "turn a new leaf"?

To "turn a new leaf" means to make a fresh start, change your behavior for the better, or begin a new chapter in your life. It suggests a commitment to improving oneself and leaving behind past mistakes.

How can I use "turn a new leaf" in a sentence?

You can use "turn a new leaf" in sentences like: "After realizing the harm he had caused, he decided to "turn a new leaf" and become a better person" or "The company's new management promised to "turn a new leaf" and prioritize ethical practices".

What's a similar phrase to "turn a new leaf"?

Alternatives to "turn a new leaf" include "make a fresh start", "begin anew", or "start over", each suggesting a new beginning or change in direction.

Is it "turn over a new leaf" or "turn a new leaf"? Which is correct?

Both "turn over a new leaf" and ""turn a new leaf"" are acceptable, though "turn a new leaf" is more common and concise. They both carry the same meaning of starting anew or changing one's behavior.