Back to square one
“We are back at square one.”
Meaning: When a solution doesn’t fix a problem, you need to start thinking of a new solution. You are back at square one.
When do we use it?
If you tried fixing a problem but your attempt failed, then you end up back where you started. You need to think of a new solution to the problem. In this case you start at square one – right at the beginning.
How do we use it?
We use this phrase when our first attempt at solving a problem failed.
• I tried fixing the leak but ended up making it worse, now I’m back at square one.
• Now that your solution failed, you are back at square one.
• We kept walking circles in the desert, ending up back at square one.
• They wanted a differently designed logo, so I am back at square one.
• If you can think of a great solution, you won’t need to start back at square one.
Similar Expressions
• It’s time to go back at the drawing board.
• They have to start from scratch.
• I ended up right back where I started
• He failed and had to start all over again.
Example in English Conversations
A) How did your presentation go?
B) My boss didn’t like it and now I’m back at square one.
A) I thought you fixed the leaking tap?
B) I fixed it, but it is leaking somewhere else as well.
A) Now we’re back at square one; the leak still needs to be fixed!
A) How far is it back to the camp?
B) I don’t know. But these footprints look like ours.
A) Oh no! That mean’s we’re all the way back at square one.
A) Did your client like the new designed logo?
B) No, they wanted something else so I have to start from scratch.
A) I’m sorry. I know it sucks to start back at square one.