turn over a new leaf: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘turn over a new leaf’ mean?

The idiom "turn over a new leaf" means to start fresh or change one's behavior or habits for the better.

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Embracing Transformation

The idiom "turn over a new leaf" is an English expression that refers to a person's decision to make a positive change in their life, indicating a fresh start or new beginning. It originated from the metaphorical usage of the word "leaf," which symbolizes a page in a book. Just as turning a page in a book signifies a transition to new content, "turning over a new leaf" represents a transformation or shift in behavior or attitude.

This idiom can be traced back to the 16th century, first recorded in Thomas More's work, The Four Last Things, published in 1535. In this text, More writes, "I have resolved the matter with myself to turn from henceforth another new leaf." The use of "leaf" in this context refers to turning to a new page in one's life, symbolizing a departure from past actions or habits.

One of the key aspects of this idiom is the emphasis on personal agency and the individual's decision to change. It suggests that the person has taken responsibility for their actions and is committed to making a positive change. To "turn over a new leaf" implies a deliberate choice to leave behind old patterns and embrace a different path.

This idiom is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, appearing in literature, spoken language, and popular media. It is often employed when discussing self-improvement, personal growth, or starting afresh after a setback or failure.

Turn over a new leaf.

While the idiom is generally positive in nature, it is important to note that the process of "turning over a new leaf" is not always easy. It requires considerable effort, determination, and self-reflection to initiate and sustain change. It does not guarantee immediate or effortless transformation; it suggests a journey towards personal improvement.

"Turn over" is another related idiom that conveys the idea of transitioning or changing. It can be used in conjunction with "turn over a new leaf" to highlight the transformative nature of leaving behind old habits and embracing a fresh start.

"turn the page" is yet another related idiom that complements the concept of "turning over a new leaf." It suggests the act of moving forward, leaving behind the past and looking towards the future. Similar to "turning over a new leaf," "turn the page" encapsulates the idea of starting anew and embracing change.

Lastly, the idiom "start over" relates closely to "turn over a new leaf" as both expressions imply a fresh start or a new beginning. "Start over" emphasizes the action of beginning again or approaching a situation from a different perspective. It aligns with the transformative nature of "turning over a new leaf" and highlights the individual's decision to initiate change.

The idiom "turn over a new leaf" originated from the metaphorical usage of "leaf" as a symbol for a page in a book. It represents a person's decision to make a positive change in their life and is often used to describe a fresh start or new beginning. This idiom emphasizes personal agency and the individual's commitment to leaving behind old patterns or habits. Additionally, the related idioms "turn over," "turn the page," and "start over" further emphasize the transformative nature of "turning over a new leaf" and highlight the individual's decision to embrace change and embark on a new path of personal growth.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "turn over a new leaf" can be used in a sentence:

  • After years of being lazy and unmotivated, he decided to turn over a new leaf and started exercising regularly.
  • She realized her life was going in the wrong direction, so she decided to turn over a new leaf and pursue a career in a different field.
  • After going through a difficult breakup, he decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on self-improvement.

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