start with a clean slate
Synonym of start with a clean sheet.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I want to start with a clean slate today.”
“After the argument, they decided to forgive each other and start with a clean slate.”
“By resigning from his position and moving to a new city, he hoped to leave his past mistakes behind and start with a clean slate.”
- 01
clean as a hound's tooth
Very clean.
- 02
clean as a whistle
Very clean.
- 03
clean break
The complete termination of a relationship, or an exit from a situation.
- 04
clean hands
Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.
- 05
clean money
Money that is legally or honestly gained or earned.
- 06
clean someone's clock
To defeat someone decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.
- 07
clean up
To become clean, handsome, smart in appearance, e.g. for a special occasion, especially when it is out of character to be seen as such.
- 08
clean up one's act
To reform; to improve one's habits.
Last updated August 10, 2026