clean slate

noun

: a person's record (as from a school or a job) that shows no evidence of any problems, broken rules, etc. : a clean record

Everyone who comes to this school starts with a clean slate.

Examples of clean slate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With Pavelski wearing the ‘C,’ some key free-agent additions, and a clean slate for all involved, the Sharks would reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 2016. —

Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 4 June 2024 Fortunately, a new moon in this area of your chart on June 6 presents you with a clean slate and an opportunity to set the record straight. —

Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024 This year, Young has a clean slate after a disappointing rookie season. —

Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2024 If tasks have piled up, you might be tempted to abandon ship and start all over with a clean slate, even though that would come with its own set of pros and cons. —

Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2024 Still, that daily clean slate makes phthalates and bisphenols actionable, says Hua. —

Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 25 Apr. 2024 Briggs, who spoke prior to Smith’s departure for Portland, said the recent vacancies have given the department and the city something of a clean slate. —

Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024 One season ends, and there is a mourning period, but each new season brings a clean slate upon which dreams can be projected. —

Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2024 Kansas City Royals reliever James McArthur needed a clean slate. —

Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clean slate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.