The expression 'turn over a new leaf' means to make a change and start anew, often by stopping a negative behavior or habit. It is similar to making a New Year's resolution and involves turning the page to begin a new chapter in one's life.
In this expression, 'leaf' refers to a page in a book, not a tree leaf. The phrase metaphorically suggests turning to a new page to start a fresh chapter in one's life.
The expression can be applied whenever someone wants to leave behind a negative habit or situation and make a positive change. For example, someone might decide to stop biting their nails, eat more healthily, or rely less on their phone and more on their memory.
A similar expression to 'turn over a new leaf' is 'turn the page,' which also signifies starting a new chapter or phase in life.
While it is commonly associated with New Year's resolutions, the expression can be used anytime someone wants to make a significant change or start anew, regardless of the time of year.
又是一年即将过去。在与家人、朋友或同事展望未来时,英国人常会用到表达 “turn over a new leaf”。它的意思是 “重新开始,改过自新”,用于形容 “开启人生新的阶段或摆脱过去的坏习惯问题和困扰、重新开始新生活”。“Leaf” 在这个表达中的意思并非 “树叶”,而是是 “书中的一页”,因此这个表达还有一个非常类似的说法 “turn the page”。听节目,跟主持人菲菲和 Phil 一起学习表达 “turn over a new leaf” 的用法。