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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

You could say that the arrest was illegal, and you go back to square one, but at the same time you’ve apprehended the person.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

Back to square one, back to being invisible and unnoticed.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan