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NL888 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

But by then the slate is wiped clean?

Does "But by then the slate is wiped clean" mean "But by then the memory is wiped clean"?

Context:

Famine puts next two generations at risk of obesity

You are what your grandmother ate, potentially, but maybe not what your great grandmother consumed. A study in mice shows that undernourishment during pregnancy increases the chances that the next two generations will develop obesity and diabetes. But by then the slate is wiped clean.
  

Top answer

NL888 Does "But by then the slate is wiped clean" mean "But by then the memory is wiped clean"? No. The topic is mouse nutrition.

— Mister Micawber

  • NL888 Does "But by then the slate is wiped clean" mean "But by then the memory is wiped clean"?
  • No.
  • The topic is mouse nutrition.
  • Mice don't consciously remember what they ate.
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4 Answers
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NL888Does "But by then the slate is wiped clean" mean "But by then the memory is wiped clean"?
No. The topic is mouse nutrition. Mice don't consciously remember what they ate.
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What does slate mean here then?
(formerly) a writing tablet made of slate?
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No; it means that undernourishment does not affect the propensity for diabetes and obesity in the 3rd generation.
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Wiping the slate clean means stating again, writing off debts etc. and yes, it is metaphorical and refers to slate tablets/chalk. We used to have slates when buying goods from shops on credit, for example. Once the bill was paid, the slate would be cleared.
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