How to Pronounce "square one"
expression
ˈskwɛɹ/ /ˈwən
SKWAIR-wuhn
skwˈeə/ /wˈɒn
sk-WAIR-won
Definition
The starting point of a process or activity, especially after a failure or setback, meaning you have to start again from the beginning.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈskwɛɹ/ /ˈwən
British English
skwˈeə/ /wˈɒn
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SKWAIR-wuhn
UK
sk-WAIR-won
Listen in Context
After the mistake, we were back to square one.
We tried a new plan, but it failed, so we're at square one again.
If this doesn't work, we'll return to square one.
We've spent months on this project, but with the changes, it's back to square one for us.