A new broom sweeps clean.
Meaning: Fresh starts and new leadership often bring immediate visible improvements, though sustained change requires deeper effort.
Origin: John Heywood's 1546 collection has "The green new broom sweepeth clean." A new broom does its job well at first, and a newcomer to a post is expected to make sweeping changes — at least until the bristles wear down.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- Nip it in the bud. — Addressing small problems immediately prevents them from growing into larger, harder-to-s…
- Old foxes need no tutors. — Experienced people have learned through living what novices must be taught formally.
- Pay as you go. — Settling debts immediately prevents financial burdens from accumulating and maintains hon…
- Poor folk have few kindred. — Adversity reveals that people abandon those lacking wealth and influence.
- Prevention is better than cure. — Stopping problems before they start costs less effort and suffering than fixing them afte…
- Every path hath a puddle. — Life's inevitable obstacles cannot be avoided, only navigated with patience and acceptanc…
From our compliments & insults
- Eres un aguafiestas — You're a killjoy — you pour cold water on everyone's fun the moment you arrive.
- ¡Qué cara más dura! — You've got incredible nerve and cheek — the audacity is almost impressive.
- Es un/una pesado/a — A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.