- Home
- Idioms
- lease
lease
a new lease of life
1. An occasion or opportunity for a renewed enjoyment in, enthusiasm for, or appreciation of one's life. Primarily heard in UK. After finding out that the tests came back negative for cancer, I feel as though I've been given a new lease of life! Mary's gotten a new lease of life ever since her daughter was born.
2. An extension or increase in the time in which something or someone can be useful or successful. Primarily heard in UK. Our company was given a new lease of life when we partnered with the global corporation. John's film got a new lease of life when his wealthy grandfather agreed to fund the rest of the production.
new lease on life
A new chance to happy, healthy, or successful after surviving a hardship. After the doctor declared that her cancer was in remission, Harriet felt like she had a new lease on life.
lease something back
to sell something, then rent it from the buyer. We sold the building to a real estate firm and then leased it back. There was some tax saving involved. We leased back the building.
lease something from someone
to rent something from someone. We decided to lease the building from the owner rather than buying it. The company always leases its cars from the dealership.
lease something (out) to someone
to rent something to someone. The company leases cars out to its customers. Can you lease this building to me for two years? Lease out only the first two floors.
new lease on life
Cliché a renewed and revitalized outlook on life. Getting the job offer was a new lease on life. When I got out of the hospital, I felt as if I had a new lease on life.
a new lease on life
also a new lease of life an opportunity to be successful or happy after having experienced a series of difficulties The heart operation was a complete success and has given her a new lease on life.
give somebody a new lease of life
(British & Australian) also give somebody a new lease on life (American) if something gives someone a new lease of life, it makes them happy or healthy and gives them new energy after a period of illness or sadness The operation was such a success - it really has given her a new lease of life.
give something a new lease of life
to improve something that was old or old-fashioned so that it works better or looks better I've had that blue sofa re-covered and it's really given it a new lease of life.
new lease on life
A fresh start; renewed vigor and good health, as in Since they bought his store Dad has had a new lease on life. This term with its allusion to a rental agreement dates from the early 1800s and originally referred only to recovery from illness. By the mid-1800s it was applied to any kind of fresh beginning.
lease up
v.1. To fully lease some building: The housing agency leased up the new apartment building in record time. After the new building had been on the market for only one week, the real estate agent had leased it up. The retail spaces were leased up before construction even started.
2. To become fully leased: The new office building leased up in less than a week.
a new lease on life
An opportunity to improve one's circumstances or outlook.