a new broom
Meaning
A new person in a position of authority tends to make significant changes or reforms, often with great initial vigor.
Origin
The wisdom of 'a new broom' has been sweeping through the English language for centuries, with its full form—'a new broom sweeps clean'—first meticulously recorded in John Heywood's 1546 collection of proverbs. It sprang from the simple, undeniable truth observed in every household: a brand-new broom, with its stiff, unworn bristles, is inherently more effective at clearing away dust and debris than an old, splayed-out one. This literal act of thorough cleaning became a vivid metaphor for anyone new in a position of authority. They, like the fresh broom, were expected to bring a zealous energy, a keen eye for neglected problems, and an eagerness to enact change, often tidying up what their predecessors had let slide. The phrase distills this expectation into a neat, powerful image of initial diligence and reform.
Examples
- Since her promotion, the new manager has been a new broom, reorganizing departments and implementing fresh policies.
- The city council hoped the incoming mayor would be a new broom and sweep away the old corrupt practices that had plagued the administration.