fresh start
After moving to a new city, she decided to give herself a fresh start.
She chose to begin her life anew in a different place.
A new beginning or opportunity to begin again, often after a difficult period.
Quitting his job was scary, but he saw it as a chance for a fresh start.
He viewed leaving his job as an opportunity to rebuild his career.
The company offered a fresh start to employees after the merger.
The merger provided employees with a chance to begin working under new conditions.
Commonly used in personal, professional, or emotional contexts to describe a clean slate or renewed effort.
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Pro Tip
Use in Resumes or Applications
Use 'fresh start' to describe a career or personal change when explaining gaps or transitions. Example: 'After a career break, I am eager for a fresh start in a dynamic team.'
Gold Rule
Avoid Negative Connotations
'Fresh start' implies optimism and renewal. Do not use it in contexts where the change is forced or unwanted, as this may sound insincere.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'fresh' (from Old English 'fresc', meaning 'not salted' or 'renewed') and 'start' (from Old English 'steort', meaning 'a sudden movement or beginning'). The idiomatic use of 'fresh' to mean 'new' dates back to the 16th century, while 'start' in the sense of a beginning has been used since Old English.
Usage Notes
The phrase is typically used in positive or hopeful contexts, implying a voluntary or proactive move toward improvement. It does not imply failure but rather a conscious decision to change one's circumstances.