Clean slate

Meaning

The idiom "clean slate" refers to a situation where someone or something starts fresh, without any previous history or record of wrongdoing. It is often used when someone wants to start over or reset their life or career after making mistakes. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation that has been cleared of old issues or disputes.

Usage

• After his mistake at work, John was given a clean slate and was given another chance to prove himself.
• The court ordered a clean slate for the accused, who had no prior criminal record.
• The new CEO came in with a clean slate and began implementing new policies for the company.
• When we moved to a new city, we started with a clean slate, knowing no one and having no ties to the area.
• After the scandal, the politician's reputation was completely wiped clean, leaving him with a clean slate to start over.

Roots and History

The origin of the phrase "clean slate" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the legal world. In English law, a clean slate means that there are no prior proceedings or charges against someone. The phrase was first used in this context in the late 18th century. Over time, the idiom has been expanded to refer to any situation where someone starts fresh with no history or record of wrongdoing.

Synonyms in English

• Fresh start
• New beginning
• Clean slate
• Tabula rasa
• Starting over

Synonyms in other languages

• French - "Chapitre ouvert" (Open chapter)
• Spanish - "Nuevo comienzo" (New beginning)
• German - "Neuer Anfang" (New beginning)
• Italian - "Rinascita" (Rebirth)
• Dutch - "Fresche start" (Fresh start)

Similar Idioms

• cut the mustard

• chattering classes

• cry me a river