Meaning: To start behaving in a better or more responsible way.
Hindi: नई शुरुआत करना / सुधरना
Synonyms: reform, change for the better
Antonyms: relapse, backslide
Asked in: SSC Steno 2026 T-1 · SSC Steno 2022 T-1 · SSC CGL 2022 T-1
turn over a new leaf in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC Steno 2026 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To turn over a new leafAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) To change one's behavior for the better
Meaning: to turn over a new leaf = to reform, to begin behaving in a better way *(नया जीवन आरंभ करना, सुधर जाना)*.
Here *leaf* is the old word for a page of a book: turning to a fresh page means starting the story of one's conduct again.
Why the others are wrong.
• to start reading a book *(किताब पढ़ना शुरू करना)* — the literal trap built on the word *leaf*.
• to keep turning pages *(पन्ने पलटते रहना)* — again literal, and the idiom describes one decisive change, not a repeated action.
• to return to bad habits *(पुरानी बुरी आदतों पर लौटना)* — the reverse sense; the English for that is *to fall back into old ways*.
Word help.
behavior = the way a person conducts himself *(आचरण, व्यवहार)*.
*L - SSC Steno 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.
Cissy promised to turn over a new leaf and keep her room clean from now on.Answer & explanation
Answer: C) To start behaving in a better way
Answer: (c) To start behaving in a better way
Explanation:
• The idiom “to turn over a new leaf” means to change one’s behaviour for the better or start afresh with improved habits (एक नया और अच्छा जीवन शुरू करना / सुधार करना).
• In the sentence, Cissy promises to keep her room clean — showing improvement in behaviour.
Other options:
• (a) To accept immediately – ❌ unrelated
• (b) To take a chance – ❌ incorrect meaning
• (d) To tease someone – ❌ does not fit the context
✅ So, the correct meaning is: To start behaving in a better way. - SSC CGL 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the given idiom.
Turn over a new leafAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) To begin again
Answer: To begin again
Explanation:
• The idiom turn over a new leaf means to start anew or make a fresh beginning (नए सिरे से शुरू करना).
• It implies changing one’s behaviour or habits for the better.
Examples
- “After the accident, he decided to turn over a new leaf.”
turn over a new leaf – questions
What is the meaning of turn over a new leaf in Hindi?
turn over a new leaf means “नई शुरुआत करना / सुधरना” in Hindi. In English: To start behaving in a better or more responsible way.
What are the synonyms of turn over a new leaf?
Synonyms of turn over a new leaf: reform, change for the better.
What is the opposite of turn over a new leaf?
Antonyms of turn over a new leaf: relapse, backslide.
Has turn over a new leaf been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – turn over a new leaf has been asked 3 times in SSC exams: SSC Steno 2026 T-1, SSC Steno 2022 T-1, SSC CGL 2022 T-1.