Wipe the slate clean

usgb
phrase

To forget all past problems or mistakes and start something again in a fresh way.

After a period of disagreement, they decided to wipe the slate clean and start their project anew.
Visual representation of "wipe the slate clean" - To forget all past problems or mistakes and start something again in a fresh way.

Often appears as...

  • start over and wipe the slate clean
  • agree to wipe the slate clean

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "wipe the slate clean"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Fresh Start

Emphasizes the intention to begin anew without considering previous issues or troubles.

Illustration for Fresh Start
They put their arguments aside and decided to wipe the slate clean.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Reset

Often used to signify letting go of past grievances to improve a relationship or situation.

Illustration for Emotional Reset
The siblings chose to wipe the slate clean and restore their friendship.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

The phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve actual cleaning or erasing.

Illustration for Not Literal
I apologized, and we decided to wipe the slate clean.
Visual representation of the word "Wipe the slate clean"

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