back to square one

Definition

Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.

Etymology

Probably from a metaphorical use of the children’s games snakes and ladders.

Example Sentences

• "After spending six hours on the intake we realized that there was nothing wrong with it, so we are back to square one."
• "Withal he has the problem of maintaining the interest of the reader who is always being sent back to square one in a sort of intellectual game of snakes and ladders."