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