leaf (redirected from leafed)

a fig leaf

something that you use to try to hide an embarrassing fact or problem. Are the peace talks simply providing a fig leaf for the continuing aggression between the two countries?

See also: fig

shake like a leaf

to shake a lot because you are nervous or frightened. I saw her just before her talk and she was shaking like a leaf. (usually in continuous tenses)

See also: like, shake

take a leaf out of someone's book

to copy something that someone else does because it will bring you advantages. Maybe I should take a leaf out of Robert's book and start coming in at ten every morning.

See also: book, take

turn over a new leaf

to start behaving in a better way. Apparently he's turned over a new leaf and he's not drinking any more.

See also: new, over, turn

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leaf through something

to turn pages, briefly looking at them. We leafed through some old photo albums. The detective leafed through some papers on the desk, looking for clues to my father's disappearance.

See also: through

take a leaf out of someone's book

to copy something that someone else has done. I should take a leaf out of Robert's book and start coming in at ten every morning – maybe then the boss will notice me!

See also: book, take

turn over a new leaf

to start behaving in a different way. Apparently he's turned over a new leaf and he's not drinking any more.

Usage notes: usually suggesting an improvement in behavior

turn the page

See also: new, over, turn