What does “Wipe the slate clean” mean?
"Wipe the slate clean" means to start fresh or to forget about past mistakes or problems.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
After the divorce, she decided to wipe the slate clean and move to a new city.
After the divorce, she decided to wipe the slate clean and move to a new city.
Example
The team had a terrible season last year, but they're determined to wipe the slate clean and make a comeback.
The team had a terrible season last year, but they're determined to wipe the slate clean and make a comeback.
Example
He apologized for his past behavior and promised to wipe the slate clean and be a better person
He apologized for his past behavior and promised to wipe the slate clean and be a better person
Is “Wipe the slate clean” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Wipe the slate clean” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Wipe the slate clean” effectively in context?
You can use "Wipe the Slate Clean" to express the idea of starting fresh or letting go of past mistakes or problems. It emphasizes the need to leave the past behind and move forward. For example, if a friend is going through a difficult breakup, you might say, 'It's time to wipe the slate clean and focus on yourself.'
- 1Personal Growth
After a series of failed relationships, she decided to wipe the slate clean and take a break from dating.
After a series of failed relationships, she decided to wipe the slate clean and take a break from dating.
- 2Sports
The team had a terrible season last year, but they're determined to wipe the slate clean and make a comeback.
The team had a terrible season last year, but they're determined to wipe the slate clean and make a comeback.
- 3Apology
He apologized for his past behavior and promised to wipe the slate clean and be a better person.
He apologized for his past behavior and promised to wipe the slate clean and be a better person.
Similar phrases to “Wipe the slate clean”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Wipe the slate clean” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Wipe the Slate Clean" is unknown.
Is “Wipe the slate clean” common in everyday conversation?
"Wipe the Slate Clean" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to let go of the past and start anew, or to express their own determination to leave behind past mistakes or problems.
What tone does “Wipe the slate clean” have?
"Wipe the Slate Clean" conveys a tone of renewal and optimism. It's often used in a supportive context to motivate someone to move forward and leave the past behind.
Can “Wipe the slate clean” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Wipe the Slate Clean" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of starting fresh or letting go of past issues. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After the divorce, she decided to wipe the slate clean and start over.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "wipe the slate clean"!' to imply readiness for a fresh start.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- let bygones be bygones
- start afresh
- begin anew
- forgive and forget
- move on
Antonyms
- dwell on the past
- hold grudges
- clutch onto mistakes
- live in the past
- repeat the same mistakes
