To return to the starting point in a process or project, often after a failure or setback.
When do you use "Go back to square one"?
This phrase is appropriate when discussing projects, plans, or processes that have not gone as expected, necessitating a return to the initial stage or a complete redo.
"Go back to square one" Usage Examples
After the client rejected our proposal, we had to go back to square one and rethink our strategy.
The software update caused more problems than it solved, so we decided to go back to square one.
When the experiment failed, the scientists realized they had to go back to square one and reevaluate their hypothesis.
We thought we were making progress, but now it looks like we have to go back to square one.
After numerous failed attempts, the team had no choice but to go back to square one and redesign the product.
"Go back to square one" Explained
The phrase 'go back to square one' is believed to have originated from board games, particularly in the context of games like Snakes and Ladders, where players could be sent back to the starting point. It signifies a reset or starting over after an unsuccessful attempt.