Idiom: back to square one
Definition
Idiom: back to square one
- to be back at the starting point of something
Example sentences
I picked up all the leaves and branches from my lawn yesterday but there was a storm last night and now I’m back to square one.
In September, I could run 5 miles but I didn't exercise all winter and now I'm back to square one trying to run just one mile.
The director changed the meeting topic this morning so we're back to square one in terms of speaker ideas.
I was a finalist for three jobs I was interviewing for but I didn't get any offers so now I'm back to square one.
My first business failed so I'm back to square one but I'm not going to give up.
My sister's divorce was just finalized and she's really having a hard time being back to square one at 42 years old.
I've been trying to de-clutter the house but every time I make progress, someone dumps a bunch of stuff into the room that I've cleared out and I'm back to square one again.
I lost 15 lbs this spring by eating well and exercising but after two weeks of partying and drinking in Mexico, I'm back to square one.
The director hated the marketing idea so we're back to square one.
My father paid off my credit card but I went on a $5,000 spending spree so I'm back to square one and he will kill me if he finds out.
Synonyms
- back to the drawing board
- start from scratch
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