The phrase wipe the slate clean refers to starting fresh by erasing all previous mistakes, debts, or conflicts, effectively giving someone or something a clean start. It originates from the practice of using slate boards for writing, which could be wiped off easily to start anew. This metaphorical expression is often used in both personal and professional contexts when people decide to forget past grievances or errors and move forward with a renewed perspective. The act of wiping the slate clean suggests that no past issues should affect the present or future, allowing a fresh beginning free from previous judgments or consequences. This can apply to relationships, business deals, or even personal goals. It embodies the concept of forgiveness, renewal, and the opportunity to change or improve. In this sense, it is a liberating expression, offering a sense of hope that the past no longer dictates one’s future. When you wipe the slate clean, you make the decision to leave behind what has already occurred and focus on what can be achieved moving forward.
Sample Sentences
- After their big argument, they decided to wipe the slate clean and start fresh.
- The company decided to wipe the slate clean with its old policies and adopt a more modern approach.
- We had a rocky start, but I think it’s time to wipe the slate clean and give it another shot.
- He was given a second chance to wipe the slate clean and prove himself at work.
- After years of misunderstandings, they decided to wipe the slate clean and reconcile.
- The new year felt like the perfect time to wipe the slate clean and set new goals.
- I think it’s time to wipe the slate clean and let go of all the past mistakes.
- Let’s wipe the slate clean and work together to make this project a success.
- They decided to wipe the slate clean and focus on building a better relationship.
- After the mistakes made in the last project, the manager promised to wipe the slate clean and start over.
Synonyms for “Wipe the Slate Clean”
- Start fresh
- Begin anew
- Make a clean start
- Start with a clean slate
- Reset
- Turn over a new leaf
- Make a fresh start
- Leave the past behind
- Erase the past
- Start from scratch
Antonyms for “Wipe the Slate Clean”
- Hold a grudge
- Harbor resentment
- Keep score
- Resent
- Continue to blame
- Stay bitter
- Keep the past alive
- Repeat past mistakes
- Cling to past wrongs
- Keep the history
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Renewal
- Forgiveness
- Rebirth
- Fresh start
- Reconciliation
- New beginning
- Change
- Clean start
- Liberation
- Restoration
Phrasal Verbs:
- Start over (to begin again after a setback)
- Let go (to release or move past something negative)
- Move on (to stop dwelling on the past and focus on the future)
- Erase the past (to forget or forgive past issues)
- Put the past behind (to stop letting previous events affect current circumstances)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Start with a clean slate (to begin with no previous negative influences)
- Turn the page (to leave past issues behind and focus on what’s next)
- Begin anew (to make a fresh start, free from past influences)
- A new dawn (a fresh start or new beginning)
- Clean break (to cut off ties with the past completely)
