back to square one

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Example

“The redesign was rejected, so it's back to square one.”

Dictionary details

Alternate forms

go back to square one

Component words

square

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

square the circle Neutral · CEFR C1

to try to resolve a problem widely regarded as extremely difficult or impossible

back to the drawing board Neutral · CEFR B2

to start planning or designing again after an idea or attempt has failed

body blow Neutral · CEFR B2

a major setback that seriously weakens a person, organization, or effort

fall by the wayside Neutral · CEFR B2

be abandoned, neglected, or fail before completion

get the show on the road Informal · CEFR B2

to begin a project or activity that has been delayed

throw somebody in at the deep end Informal · CEFR B2

to make someone start a difficult task with little preparation or help

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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