What is the origin of the idiom "clear conscience" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "clear conscience" can be traced back to Middle English and Old French. The word "conscience" comes from the Latin word "conscientia," which means "knowledge within oneself" or "moral consciousness. Additionally, the phrase may be used in the context of seeking forgiveness or seeking to make amends for past wrongdoings, as individuals strive to achieve a clear conscience by addressing their moral transgressions.