clean slate


Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.

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

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

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
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.
Pangea Cares Partners with Chicago Sky Cares for the Back to School Resource Fair
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.
Offering help in achieving a Clean Slate to people battle addiction in the North East; From down-and-out alcoholic to financial advisor for people battling addiction, reporter Adam Luke meets Graham Brewis
"It will be interesting to see who the next gaer is when he is appointed, but hopefully it is a clean slate for everyone.
Sam ready to fight for Dragons contract
Here's to a clean slate and a great growing season ahead!
A clean slate in the vineyard
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?
Guilty conscience
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.
Investigators: Fire Kills Eight at Russian Drug Rehab Center
(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.
FILMCHOICE
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.
Give new chief a 'clean slate' - Tory; WALES newsbulletin
Summary: London: Controversial Australia batsman David Warner has a "clean slate" and is in contention to ...
Warner in contention for Ashes Test
The Kolkata giants' points have been deducted and they have to start with a clean slate.
AIFF eats humble pie and revokes Bagan ban
Former Celtic star Lambert replaced axed Alex McLeish at Villa Park this summer and Southgate says he starts with a clean slate.
PAUL VILL SUCCEED
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).
US DAAG to sell minority stake to A Clean Slate
"People have a clean slate and the onus is very much on the players to be picked for the side," he said.
Pearson lays down the law
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.
Kuwait elected to UN rights panel
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?