What's the meaning of the phrase 'Back to square one'? ‘Back to square one’ means back to the beginning; start again. What's the origin of the phrase 'Back to square one'? ‘Back to square one’ is a classic of folk etymology.

Back to square one is a really common phrase that indicates when a person has to start a task or process all over again because their previous attempt failed or the situation has returned to its original state.

The phrase back to square one means to start again from the original start point. Back to square one (or back at square one — the original saying) derives from football radio commentaries in the 1930s.

The saying 'back to square one' is a common figurative saying that can be found in the English language. When used, the phrase is said to mean that something, usually specified in the sentence or context, has to start from the beginning.

The phrase “back to square one” is a commonly used idiom that signifies returning to the beginning of a task or project after an unsuccessful attempt. Despite its widespread use, the origins of this phrase have multiple concepts and have been the subject of various theories and speculations.