# square one

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/square-one
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The place where one begins; a lack of progress.

## Examples

- The project failed, so we are back to square one.
- After the computer crashed and deleted my work, I had to go back to square one.
- Despite their exhaustive efforts to negotiate a peace treaty, the sudden collapse of the talks forced the diplomats back to square one.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.