Question

Turn over a new leaf If you turn over a new leaf, you start behaving in a better way than before. Once again (see “Take a leaf out of someone’s book”), “leaf” means the page of a book. It’s as if you were starting afresh on a new page. “Last term he was very cheeky and often got into trouble. But since the holidays, he seems to have turned over a new leaf. He works hard and is a really helpful member of the class.”

Accepted Answer

What do you mean? Why does it mean this? Example

Metaphor	Turn over a new leaf
Question Meaning	What do you mean?
Meaning	If you turn over a new leaf, you start behaving in a better way than before.
Question Explanation	Why does it mean this?
Explanation	Once again (see “Take a leaf out of someone’s book”), “leaf” means the page of a book. It’s as if you were starting afresh on a new page.
Question Example	Example
Example	“Last term he was very cheeky and often got into trouble. But since the holidays, he seems to have turned over a new leaf. He works hard and is a really helpful member of the class.”

Leaf Turn Start Behaving Someone’s Book Means Page