clean slate
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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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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).Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017