Question

in_the_loop_741 to change one’s bad ways and begin to lead a better life Compare to: wipe the slate clean

Accepted Answer

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF The man promised the judge that he was finished with his life of crime and that he was ready to turn over a new leaf.I know Phyllis says she’s going to turn over a new leaf, but she continues to follow the same ways and befriend the same people. The expression originates from the idea of life as a book full of pages (leaves). When one turns over a new leaf, one leaves behind a spoiled page of his or her life and turns to a fresh, clean page to start anew.

Id	in_the_loop_741
Idiom	TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
Definition	to change one’s bad ways and begin to lead a better life
Examples	The man promised the judge that he was finished with his life of crime and that he was ready to turn over a new leaf. I know Phyllis says she’s going to turn over a new leaf, but she continues to follow the same ways and befriend the same people.
Cross-Refs	Compare to: wipe the slate clean
Extra Info	The expression originates from the idea of life as a book full of pages (leaves). When one turns over a new leaf, one leaves behind a spoiled page of his or her life and turns to a fresh, clean page to start anew.

Leaf Life Turn Ways Clean Page Loop Change