change for the better

change for the better

1. noun A change (as in, e.g., circumstance, disposition, a situation, etc.) that ultimately leads to or results in a more positive situation or outcome. He has started drinking a lot less, which is definitely a change for the better. Moving overseas was a huge undertaking, but I feel like it was a change for the better in the end.
2. verb To change in a way that ultimately leads to or results in a more positive situation or outcome. Ever since her divorce, Mary has really changed for the better. The new prime minister is changing the country's foreign policy for the better.
See also: better, change
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • angle
  • angling
  • jack
  • jacked
  • jacking
  • mickey mouse
  • belt
  • belted
  • belting
  • wear (one's) apron high
References in classic literature
He confirmed the doctors' interpretation of the law in general terms only; expressed his intention of waiting at the cottage in the hope that a change for the better might yet enable Mrs.
Still, when you say there is no change for the better, I must, as a bare matter of fact, deny that."
But if there is not some change for the better in that time, send for advice from London, which this mule of a doctor must accept in spite of himself.
In a few months, it is possible, the happiness of seeing progress, and a change for the better in my scholars may substitute gratification for disgust.
Many pleasant pictures of the life that I would lead there, and of the change for the better that would come over my character when I had a guiding spirit at my side whose simple faith and clear home-wisdom I had proved, beguiled my way.
The evening advanced, and brought with it no change for the better. Lady Janet, by the advice of Horace, sent for her own medical adviser.
Nor did Meg miss any of the romance from the daily parting, when her husband followed up his kiss with the tender inquiry, "Shall I send some veal or mutton for dinner, darling?" The little house ceased to be a glorified bower, but it became a home, and the young couple soon felt that it was a change for the better. At first they played keep-house, and frolicked over it like children.
Commitments to change for the better must be sustained beyond Easter Sunday.
'And all those who refuse to change for the better, think hard now because I will make sure that you will have no future in the police service,' he added.
But this time, we see a ray of hope for a change for the better and a bright future for Iraq and its people," he said.
"We need courage to bring about a change for the better today just as much as it was needed decades ago.
Your skills and education have instilled confidence in you to contribute to society and bring about progressive change for the better," Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Szabist Chancellor, addressed 185 candidates, of whom 66 were undergraduates, and 119 postgraduates.
Thirty-seven percent think it would lead to change for the better, while 21 percent say it would change for the worse.
The Because we care campaign is trying to get us compulsory staffing levels in aged care and I agree--I can't see how anything will change for the better until we get this.
* 65 percent say the Internet and e-mail have been a change for the better while a full 69 percent of people say mobile devices have been a change for the better;