Back to square one Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Failure Implication The phrase often implies a failure to progress, requiring a fresh start. Our experiments failed; we're back to square one. Pro Tip 2/3Starting Over It suggests starting over again, erasing all progress made previously. The code has bugs. Looks like I'm back to square one. Pro Tip 3/3Negative Emotion It usually carries a negative emotional connotation, indicating frustration or disappointment. With the lost contract, it's back to square one for us.