If you’re looking some some expressions, phrases, idioms or greetings to ring the new year in, in style, then you’re in the right place. Have a look at these sayings that mean to have a fresh start, as well as ones that are specific to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
New Year’s expressions
New Year’s Expressions and Greetings
Check out these expressions, phrases, greetings and idioms that you can use for the new year ahead.
Cheers to a new beginning
Celebrating the start of something new and positive.
Out with the old, in with the new
Letting go of the past and embracing change. You can say this to someone who is going through big changes and wants to improve their life.
New year, new me
Expressing a desire for personal growth or change in the upcoming year.
A fresh start
Beginning anew, often after overcoming challenges or setbacks.
Start the year off with a bang
Beginning the year with enthusiasm and energy, usually be doing something exciting or big.
Turn over a new leaf
Making a positive change in behavior or attitude.
A clean slate
Starting afresh without any pre-existing issues or burdens.
Out with the old, in with the new
Discarding old habits or things and embracing new ones.
New beginnings
Embracing the concept of starting anew.
Back to square one
This means to start over with something. It’s a reference to soccer where players pass the ball back to the goalie.
Begin the year on a high note
Starting the new year with positivity and optimism.
Raise a toast to the future
Celebrating and expressing good wishes for the upcoming year.
The early bird catches the worm
This means that someone who does something at the first opportunity will have an advantage.
Fun Facts about New Year’s
Check out these fun facts and trivia about this popular holiday:
New Year’s Eve Expressions and Sayings
Check out these idioms, expressions, and sayings specifically used around New Year’s Eve.
The ball drop
Refers to the lowering of the New Year’s Eve ball in Times Square, New York, a tradition that marks the beginning of the new year.
Party like it’s 1999
Celebrate with great enthusiasm, often referencing the anticipation and excitement of the turn of the millennium.
Happy New Year!
Wishing joy and prosperity for the coming year.
Auld Lang Syne
A Scottish phrase meaning “old long since” or “days gone by,” often used in the context of bidding farewell to the old year.
Ring in the new year
Celebrate the arrival of the new year with joyous activities.
New Year’s Resolution
Setting new goals or plans for self-improvement in the coming year.
Celebrate the countdown
Enjoying the excitement and anticipation leading up to the new year.
Cheers to a prosperous New Year
Wish for success and prosperity in the coming year.
Kissing at midnight
Don’t forget to give your loved one a kiss at the year turns at midnight!
New Year’s Day
January 1st of each year. How do you celebrate?
Polar Bear Plunge
Many people start the new year off with a cold water plunge.
Expressions for New Year’s Eve
FAQs
There are a number of common questions that people have about this popular holiday. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.
How is New Year’s Eve celebrated in Japan?
In Japan, people typically visit temples, eat traditional foods, and participate in the ringing of bells at midnight.
What’s a unique New Year’s tradition in Spain?
In Spain, it’s a tradition to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, each grape representing good luck for each month of the coming year.
How do people celebrate New Year’s in Brazil?
Brazilians celebrate with vibrant fireworks displays, beach parties, and wearing white clothing, symbolizing peace and good luck.
What’s a common New Year’s custom in Scotland?
In Scotland, Hogmanay is celebrated with various customs, including the “first-footing” tradition, where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings symbolic gifts.
How is New Year’s Eve celebrated in South Africa?
In South Africa, it’s common to celebrate outdoors with braais (barbecues), music, and festive gatherings.
What’s a popular New Year’s dish in Italy?
In Italy, lentils are often eaten on New Year’s Eve as they symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
How do people celebrate New Year’s in Russia?
Russians celebrate with festive meals, fireworks, and the tradition of writing a wish on a piece of paper, burning it, and then adding the ashes to a glass of champagne to be consumed at midnight.
What’s a unique New Year’s tradition in Denmark?
In Denmark, it’s customary to leap off a chair at the stroke of midnight, symbolizing jumping into the new year.
How do people celebrate New Year’s in Mexico?
Mexicans celebrate with lively parties, fireworks, and the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight, similar to Spain.
What’s a common New Year’s Eve practice in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, it’s common to light fireworks and display various round-shaped fruits on the table, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
More Holiday Phrases and Expressions
Join the Conversation
Do you have any words, expressions or phrases for us to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.
