Meaning
To make a fresh start, especially by improving one’s behavior or habits.
It’s typically used when someone resolves to leave past mistakes or bad habits behind and begin acting differently going forward.
Origin
“Leaf” here refers to a page of a book — an old sense of the word, since manuscript and early printed pages were called “leaves” (with a recto and verso side, like an actual leaf). “Turning the leaf” to a blank, unwritten page symbolized starting a fresh, unmarked chapter, free of what came before. An earlier variant, “turn the leaf,” is documented in English from the 1570s, with the now-standard “turn over a new leaf” following by around the 1590s.
Examples
After the accident, he decided to turn over a new leaf and quit drinking.
The new year is a good time to turn over a new leaf.
She’s turned over a new leaf since starting therapy.
A: Are you really going to change your habits? B: Yes, I’m turning over a new leaf.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Turn over a new leaf' mean?
To make a fresh start, especially by improving one’s behavior or habits.
It’s typically used when someone resolves to leave past mistakes or bad habits behind and begin acting differently going forward.