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English idiom

back to square one

Register · Neutral CEFR B2
Post

Figurative meaning

to return to the beginning of a task after an attempt has failed

Why this phrase?

The exact origin is disputed; the image is a return to the first marked position after losing all progress.

Example

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

Dictionary details

Alternate forms

Component words

square

Tags

Related idioms

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

square the circle

CEFR C1

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

Neutral

back to the drawing board

CEFR B2

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

Neutral

body blow

CEFR B2

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

Neutral

fall by the wayside

CEFR B2

be abandoned, neglected, or fail before completion

Neutral

get the show on the road

CEFR B2

to begin a project or activity that has been delayed

Informal

throw somebody in at the deep end

CEFR B2

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

Informal

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.

External links

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