The deal fell through, so we're back to square one.
back to square one
idiomLocated back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
Origin
disputed originProbably from a metaphorical use of the children’s games snakes and ladders.
After weeks of negotiation, the contract collapsed and we found ourselves back to square one.
The manuscript, which she had revised seven times, was accidentally deleted from her laptop, leaving her back to square one with nothing but a faint memory of the opening chapter.
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all the way to Egery and back
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
- 02
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
- 03
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 04
back down
To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.
- 05
back forty
The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
- 06
back gammon player
A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.
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back in the game
Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.
- 08
back into
To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.