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Turn over a New Leaf

What Does "Turn over a New Leaf" Mean?

homeidiomsTurn over a New Leaf
"Turn over a new leaf" is an English idiom. It means "to make a fresh start, change one's behavior, or improve one's life by abandoning old habits or negative patterns."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "turn over a new leaf" used in a sentence:
  • After years of struggling with addiction, he decided to turn over a new leaf and seek help for recovery.
  • She realized the importance of turning over a new leaf in her career and focusing on personal growth.
  • The resolution to turn over a new leaf and live a healthier lifestyle led to positive changes in her life.
meaning for turn over a new leaf

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Turn over a New Leaf" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

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