turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To change one's bad ways and begin to lead a better life.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Nature
Origin: 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. TURN (SOMETHING) THUMBS DOWN/UP {GIVE (SOMETHING) THE THUMBS DOWN/UP} to vote yes or no to something The expression originates from the Roman custom of turning a thumb downward to mean "no" or that something was unacceptable and upward to mean "yes" or that something was acceptable. People still use the thumbs-up or -down gesture, particularly when speaking or hearing is difficult.
More idioms — Nature
- under a cloud — Less than entirely trustworthy; suspected of some wrongdoing.
- under the weather — Unwell; ill.
- water under the bridge — Past and finished; over and done with.
- the wave of the future — A strong, growing trend.
- Avoir le vent en poupe — To be doing very well; everything is going your way.
- Avoir la tête dans les nuages — To be a daydreamer; out of touch with reality.
More English idioms
- ace in the hole — A hidden but effective means of winning a conflict.
- achilles' heel — A person's weakness or the vulnerable spot in his or her character.
- acid test — The most crucial or important test of worth.
- across the board — Equally for everyone, for everything, or in all cases.
- actions speak louder than words — The things that people do (actions) are more important than the things they say (words).
- all kidding aside — Speaking seriously.
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