SLATE OF THE UNION (sleɪt ov ðə ˈyun yən): A yearly speech given by the president of the United States in which he pretends that with the new year comes a completely clean slate and once again, anything is possible. “My fellow Americans, it’s time again for a fresh Slate of the Union. In 2015, there will be paid sick leave, equal pay among men and women, free community college, free trade agreements, the end of global warming, and… puppies for everyone!”