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
See also:
  • 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
References in periodicals archive
This event and the upcoming summit are exactly what is needed to make a change and we are proud to be a sponsor of Clean Slate Summit next year," said Chanelle Cromwell, Programs Director for Pangea Cares.
He said: "Clean Slate aims to be a one-stop-shop for money worries, holistic in nature, and built on the idea of creating a sustainable tenancy.
"It will be interesting to see who the next gaer is when he is appointed, but hopefully it is a clean slate for everyone.
Here's to a clean slate and a great growing season ahead!
If you've done something bad in your life, like really bad, and you feel terrible for doing it, what can you do to feel like you have a clean slate?
The bodies of eight people were found after authorities put out a blaze that broke out at the private drug rehab center dubbed "Chisty List" (Clean Slate) in the Altai region, investigators said in a statement.
(2001/15) 2 Fast 2 Furious 10.50pm, ITV2 On the run in Miami, former cop-turned-street racer Brian O'Conner is tracked down by the FBI and offered a clean slate - provided he can assist in the law's ongoing hunt for a drug baron.
THE new chief executive of Wales' biggest local authority must be given a "clean slate" to tackle its financial challenge, according to a councillor who recommended his appointment.
Summary: London: Controversial Australia batsman David Warner has a "clean slate" and is in contention to ...
The Kolkata giants' points have been deducted and they have to start with a clean slate.
Former Celtic star Lambert replaced axed Alex McLeish at Villa Park this summer and Southgate says he starts with a clean slate.
8 February 2012 - US real estate property purchaser Distressed Asset Acquisition Group Inc (DAAG) said on Wednesday it had agreed to sell a minority stake in the company to a unit of document preparation firm A Clean Slate Inc (PINK:DRWN).
"People have a clean slate and the onus is very much on the players to be picked for the side," he said.
Human rights groups have hailed the fact that Syria will not be elected this year but, as they have done in past years, criticized the clean slate system under which regional groups present only as many candidates as seats are available.