# start with a clean sheet of paper

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/start-with-a-clean-sheet-of-paper
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of start with a clean sheet.

## Examples

- I made too many mistakes, so I started with a clean sheet of paper.
- The project was a mess, so we decided to delete the files and start with a clean sheet of paper.
- Realizing that their previous strategy was fundamentally flawed, the team chose to abandon their progress and start with a clean sheet of paper.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.