The phrase "wipes the slate clean" means to start over afresh or forget the past mistakes. It is pronounced /waɪps ðə sleɪt klin/ with the 'w' making a voiced bilabial glide, 'i' being a long vowel sound, 'ps' being an unvoiced bilabial stop, 'th' making a voiced dental fricative, and 'sl' being blended together to make an alveolar lateral sound. The final 't' in 'slate' is pronounced aspirated, while 'clean' 'klin' is pronounced with an aspirated k followed by a voiced l sound.
The phrase "wipes the slate clean" is an idiomatic expression that is often used figuratively to describe the act of starting fresh or anew, typically by erasing past mistakes, errors, or conflicts, and disregarding previous circumstances or consequences. It originates from the ancient practice of writing on a slate, a flat piece of rock or a small board coated with a smooth surface suitable for writing with chalk. To wipe the slate clean means to erase all the previous marks or writings, allowing a clean and blank slate to begin again.
This expression is commonly applied in interpersonal relationships, personal growth, and even legal contexts. For instance, in a personal relationship, wiping the slate clean may entail forgiving and forgetting past transgressions, enabling a fresh start with no baggage or grudges. Similarly, in a legal context, wiping the slate clean may refer to a legal pardon or expunging of a person's criminal record, enabling them to be viewed as innocent and starting afresh in society.
Overall, "wiping the slate clean" signifies a reset or fresh beginning by removing the effects or repercussions of previous actions or circumstances, leaving a clean and untarnished foundation upon which one can build anew.