turn over a new leaf

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase turn over a new leaf, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression turn over a new leaf used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "turn over a new leaf"

Meaning

The idiom 'turn over a new leaf' is a metaphor for making an effort to improve oneself, to live a better life, or to start something fresh and new. It suggests that one has made a conscious decision to turn over a new page and to create a better version of themselves, leaving the mistakes of the past behind.

Etymology

This phrase is traceable back to the early 1700s, and is a metaphor taken from a physical book. When a book is finished or a reader wants to start a new chapter, they would literally turn the leaf of the book, or the page, to start a new chapter. The phrase ‘turning over a new leaf’ was then used to describe a person’s decision to start a new chapter in their life, a metaphor that is still used today.

Usage

The phrase ‘turn over a new leaf’ is generally used as a positive phrase in everyday speech. It is usually used when a person has decided to make a positive change in their life or behaviour. The phrase is often used to encourage someone to start doing something good or inspiring, either in their personal or professional life. For example, “having lost his job, he decided to turn over a new leaf and pursue his long-time dream of becoming a chef.”

Example Sentences

• He has decided to turn over a new leaf and apply himself to his studies.
• She is trying to turn over a new leaf and stop smoking.
• The student has promised to turn over a new leaf and not to get into any more trouble.
• He has decided to turn over a new leaf and take more responsibility for his actions.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.