slate

[[t]sle͟ɪt[/t]]

slates, slating, slated

1) N-UNCOUNT: oft N n Slate is a dark grey rock that can be easily split into thin layers. Slate is often used for covering roofs.

... a stone-built cottage, with a traditional slate roof.

2) N-COUNT A slate is one of the small flat pieces of slate that are used for covering roofs.

3) N-COUNT: usu with supp A slate is a list of candidates for an election, usually from the same party.

The leadership want to present a single slate of candidates to be approved in an open vote.

Syn:

list

4) V-PASSIVE If something is slated to happen, it is planned to happen at a particular time or on a particular occasion.

[be V-ed to-inf] Bromfield was slated to become U.S. Secretary of Agriculture...

[be V-ed for n] A controversial measure designed to set the nation's future energy course is slated for Senate debate within days.

Syn:

be scheduled

5) VERB: usu passive If something is slated, it is criticized very severely. [BRIT, JOURNALISM]

[be V-ed] Arnold Schwarzenegger's new restaurant has been slated by a top food critic...

[V-ed] Slated by critics at the time, the film has since become a cult classic.

6) PHRASE If you start with a clean slate, you do not take account of previous mistakes or failures and make a fresh start.

The proposal is to pay everything you owe, so that you can start with a clean slate.

7) PHRASE: V inflects If you wipe the slate clean, you decide to forget previous mistakes, failures, or debts and to start again.

Why not wipe the slate clean and start all over again from scratch?