A new broom

noun

A person who has just started a job and is expected to make many changes.

The company's a bit of a mess. They really need a new broom to sort things out.
Visual representation of "a new broom" - A person who has just started a job and is expected to make many changes.

Often appears as...

  • a new broom sweeps clean
  • new broom at a company

Usage tips

Neutral

Idiomatic

noun

A person who has just started a job and is expected to make many changes.

The company's a bit of a mess. They really need a new broom to sort things out.
Visual representation of "a new broom" - A person who has just started a job and is expected to make many changes.

Often appears as...

  • a new broom sweeps clean
  • new broom at a company

Usage tips

Neutral

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a new broom"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expect Change

This phrase implies significant changes are anticipated with the arrival of the new person.

Illustration for Expect Change
When the new director started, everyone knew that as a new broom, he would revamp the entire department.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

'A new broom' is a metaphor for someone who cleans up or makes improvements.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Our team was underperforming, but the new coach is a new broom ready to sweep away bad habits.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Sensitivity

The phrase is best used in contexts involving changes in an organization or group.

Illustration for Context Sensitivity
The school hadn't won a championship in years, so the new principal was seen as a new broom.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expect Change

This phrase implies significant changes are anticipated with the arrival of the new person.

Illustration for Expect Change
When the new director started, everyone knew that as a new broom, he would revamp the entire department.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

'A new broom' is a metaphor for someone who cleans up or makes improvements.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Our team was underperforming, but the new coach is a new broom ready to sweep away bad habits.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Sensitivity

The phrase is best used in contexts involving changes in an organization or group.

Illustration for Context Sensitivity
The school hadn't won a championship in years, so the new principal was seen as a new broom.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expect Change

This phrase implies significant changes are anticipated with the arrival of the new person.

Illustration for Expect Change
When the new director started, everyone knew that as a new broom, he would revamp the entire department.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

'A new broom' is a metaphor for someone who cleans up or makes improvements.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Our team was underperforming, but the new coach is a new broom ready to sweep away bad habits.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Sensitivity

The phrase is best used in contexts involving changes in an organization or group.

Illustration for Context Sensitivity
The school hadn't won a championship in years, so the new principal was seen as a new broom.
Visual representation of the word "A new broom"

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