turned over a new leaf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turned over a new leaf" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a change in behavior or attitude, often towards a more positive or responsible direction. Example: "After years of struggling with his health, he finally turned over a new leaf and started exercising regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They appeared to have turned over a new leaf today, announcing they will be headlining Coachella in 2016, but news broke at the same time that Rose is already cancelling appearances.

Independent

Has Congress turned over a new leaf?

The New York Times

They have turned over a new leaf.

The Guardian

"That is a suggestion that the defendant has turned over a new leaf," Judge Wood said.

The New York Times

Some for-profits, like Apollo, claimed to have turned over a new leaf.

The Guardian

Another trader, Ibrahim Lawal, 25, said he himself had turned over a new leaf.

The New York Times

"I think they have turned over a new leaf as of yesterday.

The Guardian

Later I turned over a new leaf, concentrating instead on my magical spells and joining the Mages Guild.

The New York Times - Tech

And we will find out whether Pakistan really has turned over a new leaf as regards its policy in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

"You can't assume somebody has turned over a new leaf once they have walked out of prison".

The Guardian

With the death toll in the Peshawar Army Public School massacre rising to 148 overnight, Pakistan turned over a new leaf in its approach to terrorism today.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, consider providing context or examples of the changed behavior to emphasize the sincerity and impact of the transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "turned over a new leaf" for minor adjustments or temporary improvements. This phrase implies a significant and sustained commitment to change, not just a fleeting alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned over a new leaf" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone has made a significant change in their life, usually for the better. Ludwig AI provides many examples showing its common use in news and media to describe personal transformations or changes in policy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turned over a new leaf" is a common and easily understood idiom used to describe a significant positive change in someone's behavior or attitude. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its prevalence in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the change is substantial and sustained, not merely a minor adjustment. Consider using alternatives like "made a fresh start" or "started afresh" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While generally neutral in tone, the register can lean towards informal depending on the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made a fresh start

Focuses on the beginning of something new, emphasizing the idea of leaving the past behind.

started afresh

Highlights the idea of beginning again, often after a mistake or failure.

reformed their ways

Emphasizes a change in behavior, typically from bad to good.

changed for the better

General expression indicating a positive transformation in character or behavior.

made a turnaround

Suggests a significant improvement or reversal of fortune or behavior.

embarked on a new chapter

Implies a shift to a different phase of life or a new direction.

adopted a new approach

Focuses on changing methods or strategies rather than overall behavior.

taken a different path

Indicates a change in direction or course of action.

began a new life

Suggests a more drastic change, potentially involving a new location or identity.

saw the light

Implies a sudden realization or understanding that leads to positive change, often in a moral or spiritual sense.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone has "turned over a new leaf"?

Saying someone has "turned over a new leaf" means they have made a fresh start and changed their behavior, usually for the better.

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

You can use "turned over a new leaf" to describe a significant change in someone's behavior. For example: After his accident, he "seemed to have turned over a new leaf", focusing on his health and family.

What are some alternatives to saying someone has "turned over a new leaf"?

Alternatives include phrases like "made a fresh start", "started afresh", or "reformed their ways". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "turned over a new leaf" formal or informal?

"Turned over a new leaf" is generally considered an idiomatic expression suitable for both informal and neutral contexts. It's understandable in professional settings, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly formal writing.