To
Turn Over a New Leaf –  To
make a fresh new start to begin
again; to reform and begin again; to start behaving in a better way


Example 1
Nina: I am so out of
shape! When I was walking up the stairs to class this morning, I could barely
make it. I was so tired that I just wanted to sit down. I’m only 26, so I don’t
think that should be happening to me.

Vince: It sounds like you need to turn over a new leaf and
start exercising more! Why don’t you sign up at a new gym and start working out?
Nina: Do you really think I need to do that much and actually go
to a gym?
Vince: Well, yes. It will motivate you to work out every day if
you are paying for it.
Nina: I guess you’re right. I definitely need to turn
over a new leaf and start exercising. Maybe I’ll sign up at that
new gym down the street.
Vince: Yes, it’s a
pretty good gym, but it’s really expensive! You should try to look for some
other gyms to see if you can get something cheaper. They should have some good
deals now at the beginning of the year. This is the time when everyone wants to
turn
over a new leaf.

Nina: Good idea!

Example 2
Bob: I cannot
believe how much Bill has changed since he got out of rehab! He is like a new
person.

Ken: Yes, he has
really turned over a new leaf. I’m so glad that he finally decided to
accept the fact that he is an alcoholic and then found treatment.

Bob: I know. He
tried to hide it for so long, but everyone could see that he was out of
control. He was drunk almost every day!

Ken: I just hope he
stays sober and doesn’t drink again.

Bob:  I think he will be OK. Once he turns
over a new leaf, everyone will support him.

Ken: I agree.

Explanation: When it’s the new year or even the start of something new,
it’s time to make a fresh start, to do something different, and to turn
over a new leaf! In this case,  “leaf” means a page—a fresh, clean page or to turn the
page and start a new chapter of your life. It can also mean to start behaving
in a better way.  In the first
example,  Nina is still young, but really
out of shape, so she decides to start exercising to get in better shape. In the
second example, Bill is an alcoholic, so he needs to make a fresh start and
start behaving in a different way. For more information, please visit: www.languagesystems.com.