clean slate

clean slate {n. phr.}

A record of nothing but good conduct, without any errors or bad deeds; past acts that are all good without any bad ones.

Johnny was sent to the principal for whispering. He had a clean slate so the principal did not punish him.

Mary stayed after school for a week, and after that the teacher let her off with a clean slate.

Compare: TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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turn over a new leaf

[turn over a new leaf] {v. phr.} To start afresh; to have a new beginning. * /"Don't be sad, Jane," Sue said. "A divorce is not the end of the […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

slate

[slate] See: [CLEAN SLATE]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

clean

[clean] See: [COME CLEAN], [KEEP ONE'S NOSE CLEAN], [MAKE A CLEAN BREAST OF], [NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN], [TAKE TO ONE'S HEELS] also [SHOW A CLEAN PAIR OF HEELS]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

clean up

[clean up] {v. phr.} 1. To wash and make oneself presentable. * /After quitting for the day in the garage, Tim decided to clean up and put on a clean […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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