from square one

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Explain your current level of tech knowledge: If you’ve never touched code or a script before, tell the AI you’re starting from square one and it should explain every single step you need to take.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

"We were mostly starting from square one, and that threw up all sorts of challenges, but also joyful surprises," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Producing another clutch will require them to start from square one.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

So we already had a relationship and a rapport established, which benefited this project so much because we weren't starting from square one.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2024

They simply insisted that their new map restarted the entire legal process, erasing the court’s past analysis and forcing it to begin again from square one.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2023