clean slate
clean slate
An opportunity to start fresh despite past mistakes or problems. I know we've had our differences, but I'd like to repair our friendship. Can we start over with a clean slate? I really appreciate you giving me a clean slate after I failed that first test.
See also: clean, slate
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
clean slate
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.
See also: clean, slate
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
a clean ˈsheet/ˈslate
a record of your work or actions that does not show any mistakes or bad things that you have done: At the new school, you will start with a clean slate. They kept a clean sheet in the match (= no goals were scored against them).See also: clean, sheet, slate
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- a clean sheet
- a clean sheet/slate
- clean sheet
- start (off) with a clean slate
- start with a clean slate
- get a fresh start
- have a fresh start
- make a fresh start
- fresh start
- head start