Back to square one
phrase
Returning to the initial position or stage due to failure, after attempts to progress.
After the groundbreaking for the new project was delayed, we're back to square one with the planning process.
Often appears as...
- we're back to square one
- go back to square one
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Reverting to a previous situation or problem that one has already dealt with.
After the solution not working, we have to go back to square one and find another solution.
Often appears as...
- starting over at square one
- found myself back at square one
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Returning to the initial position or stage due to failure, after attempts to progress.
After the groundbreaking for the new project was delayed, we're back to square one with the planning process.
Often appears as...
- we're back to square one
- go back to square one
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Reverting to a previous situation or problem that one has already dealt with.
After the solution not working, we have to go back to square one and find another solution.
Often appears as...
- starting over at square one
- found myself back at square one
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Failure Implication
The phrase often implies a failure to progress, requiring a fresh start.
Our experiments failed; we're back to square one.
Pro Tip 2/3Starting Over
It suggests starting over again, erasing all progress made previously.
The code has bugs. Looks like I'm back to square one.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Emotion
It usually carries a negative emotional connotation, indicating frustration or disappointment.
With the lost contract, it's back to square one for us.
Pro Tip 1/3Failure Implication
The phrase often implies a failure to progress, requiring a fresh start.
Our experiments failed; we're back to square one.
Pro Tip 2/3Starting Over
It suggests starting over again, erasing all progress made previously.
The code has bugs. Looks like I'm back to square one.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Emotion
It usually carries a negative emotional connotation, indicating frustration or disappointment.
With the lost contract, it's back to square one for us.
Pro Tip 1/3Failure Implication
The phrase often implies a failure to progress, requiring a fresh start.
Our experiments failed; we're back to square one.
Pro Tip 2/3Starting Over
It suggests starting over again, erasing all progress made previously.
The code has bugs. Looks like I'm back to square one.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Emotion
It usually carries a negative emotional connotation, indicating frustration or disappointment.
With the lost contract, it's back to square one for us.
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