View synonyms for

square one

noun

a starting point; initial stage or step.
If this plan fails, we'll have to go back to square one.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

First recorded in 1955–60; alluding to board games in which a player is penalized by being forced to return to the starting point

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In a decades-long game of transport snakes and ladders, Leeds was back at square one again.

From

"Now they want to bring him back to square one? I don't want my son to die."

From

But its ambitious vision for the former Debenhams has gone back to square one.

From

"We are back to square one, now negotiating can begin. The outcome is uncertain but China is in a psychologically stronger position now than before," she said.

From

If they don't win that final they are back to square one.

From

square of opposition square one's shoulders

Browse