Mend your ways Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Behavior Focused The phrase is about changing negative behaviors to positive ones. He realized that to make friends, he needed to mend his ways. Pro Tip 2/3Urgency Often used to suggest that change should happen soon to avoid consequences. After the warning, the employee knew it was high time to mend his ways. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight Can imply disappointment or disapproval, requesting someone to improve. Her mother said sternly, 'You must mend your ways or face the repercussions.'