starting over

/ˈstɑːrtɪŋ ˈoʊvər/
phrase★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
To begin anew after a significant change or setback, often with a sense of renewal or hope.
Literal Meaning
The act of beginning something again from the start.
Literal Breakdown
startingthe act of beginning+overindicating a continuation or repetition
◇ Mental Image
A mental image of a person or situation being reset or given a new opportunity to begin again.
◈ When to Use
A person who has gone through a divorce and decides to move to a new city to start over with a fresh perspective.
◉ Cultural Note
The phrase is widely used in English-speaking cultures to describe resilience and the ability to recover from adversity.
informal

To begin something new after a setback, failure, or significant change, often implying a fresh beginning or a new chapter in life.

After losing his job, he decided to start over in a new city.

She left her toxic relationship and started over with a positive mindset.

💡

This phrase is often used to describe a major life change or a new beginning after a difficult experience.

Collocations

start over from scratchto begin something completely new without any prior resources or advantagesstart over againto repeat a process or attempt after a failure or interruption

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

turn over a new leafidiom
to make a positive change in one's behavior or habits
hit the reset buttonidiom
to start something again from the beginning

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'starting over' when describing a significant new beginning, especially after a major life change or failure.

⚡Gold Rule

Grammar Rule

The phrase is typically followed by a preposition (e.g., 'starting over in a new city') or an adverb (e.g., 'starting over again').

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'start' (to begin) and the preposition 'over' (indicating a new beginning or continuation).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe a new beginning after a setback.

Word Breakdown

starting
the act of beginning
verb
+
over
indicating a new beginning or continuation
preposition
English Dictionary