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clean slate

Meaning: A new beginning, usually achieved by removing any record of previous bad deeds (sentence 1) or debts (sentence 2).

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The expression originates from the idea of a slate, the forerunner to the blackboard, which can be wiped clean to allow for new writing.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • clean someone out — To take or steal everything someone has.
  • clear the air — To resolve hidden resentment or uncover hidden thoughts.
  • climb the walls — To be uneasy or restless.
  • climb on the bandwagon — To join the crowd in following a popular position, cause, activity, or fashion.
  • close shave — A narrow escape.
  • closed-minded — Unwilling to consider new ideas.

More English idioms

  • come full circle — To return (figuratively) to a point where one has been before.
  • come home to roost — To return to cause trouble.
  • clown around — To act silly.
  • come off it! — A response to a statement that cannot be believed (sentence 1) or a behavior that must be…
  • come out of one's shell — To stop being shy.
  • come out smelling like a rose — To avoid blame that one deserves; to seem innocent.

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