clean slate

1. A new start; especially to make a new start by clearing the record. This phrase comes from the use of chalk and slates in classrooms in the past. By wiping the slate clean, a student could remove any evidence of a mistake.

Idioms and Phrases

A fresh start; another chance after wiping out old offenses or debts. This idiom often appears as wipe the slate clean . For example, Henry's boss assured him that the matter was finished and he could start with a clean slate , or He wished he could wipe the slate clean, but it was too late to salvage the relationship . This expression alludes to the slate boards on which school work or tavern bills were recorded in easily wiped-off chalk. Since 1850 or so the term has been used figuratively, and it has long outlived the practice of writing on slate.

Example Sentences

Well, this is definitely a besmirchment of the much-vaunted clean slate.

From The Daily Beast

Now at college, where she is studying for A-levels in travel and tourism, Davis feels she has “a clean slate.”

From The Daily Beast

California and a clean slate beckons to quite a few characters, including Ted, Pete, and Megan.

From The Daily Beast

But it needs a star—and a clean slate, says David Freedlander.

From The Daily Beast

Riding a 10-match winning streak and a clean slate in 2013, it may finally be Tomic-time.

From The Daily Beast

They were lucky to get through the first half with a clean slate.

From Project Gutenberg

We begin again with an absolutely clean slate, without a smear upon it!

From Project Gutenberg

Nature has given us a virgin continent, a clean slate upon which to write what we will.

From Project Gutenberg

To America, with a clean slate and a reposeful conscience; it was more than he had any reasonable right to expect.

From Project Gutenberg

That is one thing, and another is this: we start with a clean slate on the Red Butte Western.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fresh start