A clean sheet/slate
noun
A chance to start afresh, forgetting negative past history.
After serving his time in prison, he wanted to start life with a clean slate.
Often appears as...
- start with a clean slate
- wipe the slate clean
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
In sports, especially in football, when a team prevents the opponents from scoring any goals.
The goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet in his last three matches.
Often appears as...
- keep a clean sheet
- clean sheet record
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A record or list that has no entries yet.
As a new recruit, she has a clean slate to prove herself.
Often appears as...
- start with a clean slate
- have a clean slate
Usage tips
Colloquial
noun
A chance to start afresh, forgetting negative past history.
After serving his time in prison, he wanted to start life with a clean slate.
Often appears as...
- start with a clean slate
- wipe the slate clean
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
In sports, especially in football, when a team prevents the opponents from scoring any goals.
The goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet in his last three matches.
Often appears as...
- keep a clean sheet
- clean sheet record
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A record or list that has no entries yet.
As a new recruit, she has a clean slate to prove herself.
Often appears as...
- start with a clean slate
- have a clean slate
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Fresh Opportunities
Used when someone has the opportunity to start over without past mistakes affecting them.
He moved to a new city for a clean slate in his career.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Expresses a hopeful, optimistic mood, often showing forgiveness or moving on.
After their argument, they resolved their issues and began with a clean slate.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Usage
This phrase is figurative and does not refer to an actual slate but to a person's life or situation.
The new policy allowed taxpayers to wipe the slate clean and rectify their finances.
Pro Tip 1/3Fresh Opportunities
Used when someone has the opportunity to start over without past mistakes affecting them.
He moved to a new city for a clean slate in his career.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Expresses a hopeful, optimistic mood, often showing forgiveness or moving on.
After their argument, they resolved their issues and began with a clean slate.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Usage
This phrase is figurative and does not refer to an actual slate but to a person's life or situation.
The new policy allowed taxpayers to wipe the slate clean and rectify their finances.
Pro Tip 1/3Fresh Opportunities
Used when someone has the opportunity to start over without past mistakes affecting them.
He moved to a new city for a clean slate in his career.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Impact
Expresses a hopeful, optimistic mood, often showing forgiveness or moving on.
After their argument, they resolved their issues and began with a clean slate.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Usage
This phrase is figurative and does not refer to an actual slate but to a person's life or situation.
The new policy allowed taxpayers to wipe the slate clean and rectify their finances.
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