clean slate

Cultural  

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.

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clean slate Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

The new owners will get a clean slate to try and turn the fortunes of the club around.

From BBC

The Washington Post reported that a couple of months earlier, Ginni Thomas, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ wife, had emailed Shawnna Bolick asking for her to support a “clean slate of electors.”

From Los Angeles Times

Or was it kind of like a clean slate when it came to August Moon?

From Salon

Perhaps cleaning house in that area is the best way to provide a clean slate.

From Seattle Times

He continues, “We have everything apart from the physical, basically, and that’s the way that that will stay. But I guess my point is that I am not a completely clean slate.”

From Salon

Related Words

• fresh start