The idiom ‘back to square one' means ‘to return to the initial starting point'. This video explains the meaning of the idiom 'back to square one' in English. We explain how to use it with some easy examples for Social and Business English.
When someone has to go back to square one, it’s usually because their attempt at something has failed and they need to start again. You can also say that you are ‘back at square one’ when you have to start again. Similar to ‘back to the drawing board’, the situation needs to be re-planned or restructured, so that the next attempt is more of a success than the last. This idiom is commonly heard in both social and professional environments.
Further Examples:
The author’s work was lost when his computer got damaged and he forgot to back his data up. He’s now back to square one.
I man cleaned up all the leaves in his garden, but during the night there it was very windy and he was back to square one in the morning.