stɑːrt wɪð ə kliːn sleɪt
General
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Beginning with a blank writing slate
What does "start with a clean slate" mean?
- To start fresh without past mistakes counting
- To begin again with no record of previous problems
Examples
- Let's start with a clean slate and forget past disagreements.
- The new job gives me a chance to start with a clean slate.
- After his apology, they agreed to start with a clean slate.
Origin
From classroom slates that could be wiped clean for new work. Also from debts being 'wiped off the slate' at pubs.
How to use it
Positive expression about new beginnings. Often used in relationships and career changes.
Similar expressions
start fresh
begin anew
make a fresh start
turn over a new leaf
Opposites
carry baggage
hold grudges
dwell on the past
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "start with a clean slate" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.