square one
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.
But he quickly found himself back to square one; back to where it all started.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026
He had to begin at square one and get to square 100.
From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026
Explain your current level of tech knowledge: If you’ve never touched code or a script before, tell the AI you’re starting from square one and it should explain every single step you need to take.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026
"I was back to square one," he explains.
From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026
Agreed, Mom, which puts me back at square one.
From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.