
What Does “a new lease of life” mean?
Definition:
“A new lease of life” is an idiomatic expression that describes a new opportunity or a fresh start in life. The phrase suggests a sense of revitalization or reinvigoration following a period of stagnation or decline. It connotes a chance to begin anew, often with renewed energy and enthusiasm, as if being granted a new lease or contract on life.
Usage
There are several situations in which the phrase “a new lease on life” is relevant. It is frequently used to refer to a turning point or positive transformation in a person’s life. It indicates a chance to start over. This can be at professional or personal levels. The expression is frequently used in written and spoken English and can be used in formal and informal contexts.
Synonyms
– A fresh start
– A second chance
– A new beginning
– A new dawn
– A rebirth
– A new chapter
– A rejuvenation
– A resurgence
– A revival
– A regaining of strength
– A new outlook
– A new lease on one’s dreams
– A new day
– A new opportunity
– A new lease on happiness.
The origin of the idiom “a new lease of life” is not clear. However, this 1800s expression may have originated from the real estate industry.
In the past, landlords would lease properties to tenants for a fixed period. At the end of the lease, the tenant would either renew the lease or vacate the property. When a lease was renewed, it was like a new beginning, and the tenant was given a new opportunity to live in the property.
The expression originally solely applied to healing from illness.
By the middle of the 1800s, it was used to describe any new beginning.
Example(s)
– His new job has given him a new lease of life.
– Jack felt as though he had been granted a new lease of life after recovering from the car accident.
– His work revisits objects from the past, historic or obsolete items to which he gives a new lease of life, a second existence.
– As the developers decided to contribute additional funding, the initiative gained a new lease of life.
– Since oil has become so expensive, the coal sector has been given a new lease of life.
– Starting a new business has given me a new lease of life.
– Starting a new fitness routine has given me a new lease of life, and I feel healthier and more energized.
– After taking a year off to travel the world, Karen returned home with a new lease of life.