back to square one
Say it: back to skwair ONE /ˌbæk tə ˌskwɛə ˈwʌn/ · idiom
What “back to square one” means
Starting again after your attempt has failed.
More precisely: Back to the starting point, after an attempt has failed.
Example: “The investor pulled out, so we're back to square one.”
When to use it
In everyday conversation, when a failed attempt means you must begin again. The tone is usually disappointed.
Similar words
back to the start, start from scratch
Quick check
Your clay bowl collapses completely, so you gather the clay into a lump and start shaping it again. Where are you?
back on track or back to square one?
Show the answer
back to square one
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