Idioms & Expressions
Back to square one
Used when acknowledging the need to restart after a setback.
Literal Meaning
Return to the initial position or starting point.
Actual Meaning
Starting over from the beginning
Examples in Context

'That didn't work, back to square one.' (Translation: We have to start over)

Helpful Tips
  • 1Progress lost
  • 2Starting fresh
  • 3Board game origin
Phrase Thesaurus
Similar words and synonyms for this phrase
starting over
begin anew
return to the beginning
reset
backtrack
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It is what it is
Business as usual