English Explanatory Dictionary

back to square one

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
adv
  1. Back to the start, as after a dead end or failure.

Pronunciation

en-au-back to square one.ogg

Word forms

back to square one

Etymology

Probably from a metaphorical use of the children’s games snakes and ladders.

Related words

back to the drawing board
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