ProverbWisdom
English origin1546
English origin1546A 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.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- 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.
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