clean slates
New starts ahead
Clean slates are fresh starts—opportunities to begin again without the burden of past mistakes, debts, or grievances.
The image comes from writing slates that could be wiped clean for reuse.
After the merger, management promised clean slates for employees with disciplinary records.
New Year's resolutions represent our desire for clean slates.
- fresh startOpportunity to restart unburdened
- do-overAnother chance given
- restartCommence anew
- tabula rasaUnmarked mental starting point
- renewalsActs of extending agreements
reboot · reset · redemption · reform · making amends · catharsis · amnesty · blank page · blank canvas · pardons · second chance · transformation · unblemished · restoration · absolution · reconciliation · burying the hatchet · apology
clean slatesgrudges
Persistent ill will
baggage · resentments · bitter feelings · bad blood · old wounds
clean slatescriminal records
Official documentation of convictions
rap sheets · black marks · prior convictions · permanent records
clean slatesunfinished business
Incomplete matters requiring attention
skeletons in closets · ball and chain · albatrosses · millstones · karmic debt
clean, slate, cleans, cleaned, cleaning, cleaner, cleanest, cleanly, cleanliness