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

In China, with a clean slate and a growing affluent class, Sam’s Club, following Costco’s formula, carved out a niche as a premium chain offering high-quality items hard to find elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

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

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

Skipper Stokes said they were starting with a clean slate, despite their miserable record in Australia.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

But that actually gave me a completely clean slate when I became a musician.”

From Salon • Nov. 5, 2025

“Because sometimes it’s easier to start over with a clean slate than to drag the baggage of your past with you wherever you go.”

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Related Words

• fresh start