THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Turn over a new leaf
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To begin behaving in a better way.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I am turning over a new leaf and submitting my assignments on time.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To begin behaving in a better way.
Show the answer
Turn over a new leaf — To begin behaving in a better way.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Turn over a new leaf” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To begin behaving in a better way.
Compare: I am turning over a new leaf and submitting my assignments on time.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when someone decides to improve a habit or change their behaviour positively. It suits everyday conversation.
More examples in context
- After missing several meetings, he turned over a new leaf and began arriving early.
- She wants to turn over a new leaf by listening without interrupting.
Usage note
The idiom focuses on better behaviour, not simply any new event. Say a new leaf, including the article a.
A short conversation
A: You have been early every day this week.
B: I have turned over a new leaf. No more rushing in late.
A: The new routine seems to be helping.
One more practice question
Who turns over a new leaf?
A. Someone who replaces a troublesome habit with better behaviour.
B. Someone who continues the same troublesome habit without trying to change.
Check your answer
A. The expression describes a positive change in behaviour.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.