abandon evil and return to good; turn over a new leaf; mend one's ways
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to give up evil ways and return to the right path; to turn over a new leaf; to mend one's ways
formalUsed to describe criminals, wrongdoers, or people with bad habits who decide to reform and live properly. Often carries a positive, redemptive connotation.
Zhǐ只
yào要
nǐ你
kěn肯
gǎi改
xié邪
guī归
zhèng正
，
dà大
jiā家
hái还
shì是
huì会
gěi给
nǐ你
jī机
huì会
de的
。
As long as you are willing to mend your ways, everyone will still give you a chance.
Nà那
gè个
xiǎo小
tōu偷
chū出
yù狱
hòu后
jué决
dìng定
gǎi改
xié邪
guī归
zhèng正
，
zhǎo找
le了
yī一
fèn份
zhèng正
jīng经
gōng工
zuò作
。
After being released from prison, that thief decided to turn over a new leaf and found a proper job.
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Tā他
zhōng终
yú于
gǎi改
xié邪
guī归
zhèng正
，
jiè戒
diào掉
le了
dú毒
yǐn瘾
。
He finally mended his ways and kicked his drug addiction.