a clean sheet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean sheet" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can refer to a literal clean sheet of paper or a figurative clean slate or fresh start. Example: After a long day of work, I sat down at my desk and stared at a clean sheet of paper, ready to write my novel.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've kept a clean sheet.

The Guardian - Sport

He kept a clean sheet.

The Guardian - Sport

A clean sheet on Saturday; awesome!

The New York Times

It's best to keep a clean sheet.

Independent

Time to celebrate with a clean sheet?

The Guardian - Sport

A clean sheet record is great.

The Guardian - Sport

Wonga isn't starting with a clean sheet.

The Guardian - Business

Next time, start with a clean sheet.

The Guardian

And Barcelona kept a clean sheet.

The Guardian - Sport

First, it's not a "clean sheet" approach.

Harvard Business Review

The object is "a clean sheet on the road".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports, using the phrase "a clean sheet" emphasizes the team's defensive prowess and ability to prevent the opposition from scoring, highlighting a strong performance.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a clean sheet" guarantees success without proper planning and execution. It's a starting point, not a guaranteed outcome. Remember to consider all relevant factors and potential challenges, in order to maximize the benefits of starting fresh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean sheet" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement within a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it can describe a literal clean piece of paper or metaphorically represent a fresh start, opportunity or a state free from previous errors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clean sheet" is a versatile expression that can refer to both a literal blank page and a figurative fresh start. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as in business settings, where it conveys a sense of new opportunity or a fresh perspective. The phrase's register varies from neutral to informal. When using "a clean sheet", it's important to remember that it represents a starting point. A team that achieve "a clean sheet" has performed strongly in defence. While the phrase can mean "starting from scratch", it is important to have a new approach and be innovative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fresh start

Focuses on the idea of beginning again without previous errors or problems.

a blank slate

Emphasizes the absence of prior markings or influences, highlighting the potential for new beginnings.

a clean slate

Implies erasing past mistakes and starting anew.

a fresh page

Suggests turning over to a new chapter or phase, leaving the old behind.

starting from scratch

Highlights the act of building something entirely new without relying on previous work.

wiping the slate clean

Emphasizes the removal of past records or issues.

a tabula rasa

A more formal and philosophical term for a blank slate, emphasizing the absence of innate ideas.

zeroing out

Focuses on reducing something to zero, preparing for a new calculation or process.

resetting the counter

Implies starting a new count or measurement from the beginning.

turning over a new leaf

Suggests making a positive change in one's behavior or habits.

FAQs

How is the phrase "a clean sheet" used in football?

In football, "a clean sheet" refers to a game where a team does not concede any goals. It's often used to praise the defense and goalkeeper for their performance. For example, a team might aim "to keep a clean sheet".

What does "starting with a clean sheet" mean in business?

In a business context, "starting with a clean sheet" means disregarding existing processes, systems, or assumptions and creating something new from the ground up. This can be useful when restructuring a company or developing a new product. It's similar to having "a fresh start".

Is "a clean sheet" the same as "a blank slate"?

While similar, "a clean sheet" and "a blank slate" have slightly different connotations. "A clean sheet" often refers to a specific document or record, while "a blank slate" is a more general metaphor for starting without prior knowledge or experience. In most cases, they can be used interchangeably.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a clean sheet"?

The phrase "a clean sheet" is appropriate when discussing new beginnings, opportunities for innovation, or situations where previous data or constraints are disregarded. It can be used in various contexts, including sports, business, creative projects, and personal development. Consider using alternatives like "a fresh page" or "starting from scratch" depending on the situation.