Turn Over a New Leaf
I always thought of a leaf on a tree when I heard the expression turn over a new leaf. I knew it meant people wanted to change. So, I thought of new leaves growing on trees or leaves changing colors.
A little checking proved me wrong.
I had the meaning right.
If we turn over a new leaf, we:
- Want to do better than we have in the past
- Plan a fresh start
- Change our attitude or behavior
- Leave our past behind
I had the origin wrong.
The expression refers to turning to a new page in a book. Another name for page is leaf. Therefore, when we turn over a new leaf, we start a clean page in our lives. We begin again.
Whether talking about leaves on a tree or leaves in a book, the meaning remains the same. We change for the better.
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).
Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.
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