thoroughly reform past mistakes; turn over a new leaf
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to thoroughly correct one's past mistakes; to turn over a new leaf; to repent and make a fresh start
formalThis chengyu emphasizes sincere repentance and a complete break from past wrongdoings. It is often used to describe someone who has undergone significant personal transformation, especially after a period of moral failure or criminal behavior.
Tā他
jué决
dìng定
tòng痛
gǎi改
qián前
fēi非
，
chóng重
xīn新
zuò做
rén人
。
He decided to turn over a new leaf and start afresh.
Chū出
yù狱
hòu后
，
tā他
tòng痛
gǎi改
qián前
fēi非
，
chéng成
wéi为
le了
yī一
míng名
chéng成
gōng功
de的
qǐ企
yè业
jiā家
。
After leaving prison, he thoroughly reformed his ways and became a successful entrepreneur.
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Zhǐ只
yào要
nǐ你
yuàn愿
yì意
tòng痛
gǎi改
qián前
fēi非
，
dà大
jiā家
hái还
shì是
huì会
yuán原
liàng谅
nǐ你
de的
。
As long as you are willing to thoroughly reform, everyone will still forgive you.
Tā他
yǐ以
qián前
zǒng总
shì是
táo逃
kè课
，
dàn但
xiàn现
zài在
tòng痛
gǎi改
qián前
fēi非
，
měi每
tiān天
àn按
shí时
shàng上
kè课
。
He used to always skip class, but now he has turned over a new leaf and attends class on time every day.