Expressions for the New Year

a breath of fresh air = a refreshing or invigorating change / someone or something that makes things seem new and exciting

• Alison is so cheerful; she's like a breath of fresh air every time we get together.

• Going out for a walk is literally (really) a breath of fresh air. It clears my mind and refreshes my energy.

nothing ventured, nothing gained = without taking risks, you can’t expect to achieve / you have to take a risk in order to get something good

• Paul: I don't know if I should apply for the job. I'm sure there are lots of better candidates than me.

Susan: You know what they say. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. There's no harm in

applying.

• I'm so glad I decided to introduce myself to Diane on social media; now I have a group of fabulous British friends. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

to shake things up = to make significant changes to an already established system / to make changes to something to make improvements

• She's going to shake things up this year by making plans for fun activities to brighten her life.

• The company is shaking things up; the CEO has decided to allow all the employees to permanently work from home if they want to.

to start with a clean slate = to put your (usually negative) past behind you and start over / to begin an activity or process again, not considering what has happened in the past

• I'm looking forward to starting with a clean slate in 2021. What about you?

• I'm sorry I upset you. Can you forgive me? How about we start again with a clean slate?

• The students will start with a clean slate in the new semester.

to turn over a new leaf = to begin to behave in a more responsible manner / to behave in a more positive way

• I've turned over a new leaf. I'm more organised, and now I make sure I have more free time for myself.

• They are going to turn over a new leaf by making improvements in their lives.

• John turned over a new leaf; he started to put his family first by finishing work at 6 pm every night.

a new lease on (of) life = an occasion or opportunity for a renewed enjoyment in, enthusiasm for, or appreciation of one's life

• The dog has had a new lease on life since he got his new wheels.

• His grandson has given him a new lease of life. He is so happy and rejuvenated.

go the extra mile = to work very hard to achieve something / to do more than required

(1 mile = 1.6 km)

• Thank you. You really went the extra mile for me. You didn't have to clean my house while I was out. I appreciate it.

• I am going the extra mile for my students. I am giving them more activities so they get more bang for their buck (they get more for their money).

a dream come true = something you really want happens

• Being able to live more freely will be a dream come true. I hope it happens soon.

• Seeing Tony Bennett in concert was a dream come true for my mum and dad.

• It was a dream come true when she became a writer. She had always wanted to publish a book.

The sky is the limit! (The sky's the limit.) = Nothing is impossible. / Anything is possible.

• You can do anything you want; the sky's the limit.

• Charles: Do you think 2021 will be a good year?

Marion: I think the sky's the limit. We have every opportunity to make it a good year.