wipe the slate clean
Meaning(s)
1. forget or erase past wrong-doings or mistakes and make a fresh start
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
wipe the slate clean and start again
Analysis
When you ‘wipe the slate clean’ it means to start anew or start again from the beginning especially when you are prepared for getting past wrongdoings, disagreements or mistakes. This is an idiomatic expression used in both social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Look, let's stop arguing about things that have happened in the past. Why don't we wipe the slate clean and start again?
Professional Examples (Basic)
- My boss and I have had our ups and downs in the past, but our long talk cleared the air and wiped the slate clean.
- Looking back, I feel that I made a major mistake by choosing to go into banking. I wish I could wipe the slate clean and take my career in a different direction.