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.

If not, we are back to square one.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

But he quickly found himself back to square one; back to where it all started.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 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

Charlie is a type, too, the prodigal who has screwed up his career and finds himself at square one, executing a rescue mission that only emphasizes his setback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

Maybe their planes would be taken away to beef up an existing men’s regiment, and they’d be back to square one looking for a way to volunteer.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein