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go back to square one

PHRASE

start all over

Synonyms

WEAK

begin again go back to the drawing board make a fresh start make a new beginning start from scratch wipe the slate clean

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You could say that the arrest was illegal, and you go back to square one, but at the same time you’ve apprehended the person.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

When no precise motive could be found and no real evidence or murder weapon materialised, the authorities had to go back to square one.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2023

"Now they're talking about releasing the water and we're going to have to go back to square one again. It's unbearable."

From Reuters • Mar. 9, 2023

If he couldn’t find an apartment by the end of this month, he would go back to square one in his search for affordable housing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2023

We have to go back to square one and prove these models again with new information based on the new reality.”

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2015