Idioms

get back to basics

get back to basics

To return to the fundamental aspects of something. Since you're struggling to play chords, let's get back to basics and look at the notes on the scale. Considering that the entire class did poorly on that Biology test, I guess we're going to have to get back to basics on Monday. The forwards are trying to do too much out there, that's why they're not scoring. We need to get back to basics in practice.
See also: back, basic, get, to
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get back to basics

or

go back to basics

If you get back to basics or go back to basics, you concentrate on simple, important ideas or activities. It helps to get back to basics and say explicitly how we want to satisfy our target customer. This is about going back to basics, learning about a healthy diet and approaching food in a new way. Note: Back-to-basics can be used before nouns. We need a new back-to-basics drive to raise standards of literacy in Britain's schools.
See also: back, basic, get, to
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

get/go back to ˈbasics

think about the simple or most important ideas within a subject or an activity instead of new ideas or complicated details: It’s time for us all to get back to basics and concentrate on what really matters.
See also: back, basic, get, go, to
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in periodicals archive
CHRIS HENRY is eager to help Ulster get back to basics in tonight's must win Pro12 showdown with Zebre in Belfast.
Henry and Ulster need Chris of life; PRO 12: ULSTER v ZEBRE, 7.35pm
"We needed to take stock, stay calm and get back to basics. Banking got a very bad press for a while but we have tried to form our strategy, stick to it and help the business get back to basics.
Lloyds in 250th birthday pledge
But he insists his side must get back to basics defensively after a sloppy showing by stars such as Sean Dillon (below) and Calum Butcher.
Mac: We let them bully our defence
Analysed He said: "We've analysed all the games and felt we needed to get back to basics a little bit because you can't just go out there and think you're going to win any game.
Church hands Powell answer to his prayers
We have to get back to basics and start winning again.
We must get back to basics and fast, warns defender Bramble
FORMER England batsman Chris Broad has urged Kevin Pietersen to "get back to basics" to try to end his dismal run of form.
Back to basics to move on, Pietersen told; Cricket
Forzoni feels Murray needs to get back to basics and does not think it is surprising the Australian Open high has been followed by a low.
Forzoni ready to help out Murray
During a recent Class A mishap brief, the Vice Commander of ACC, Major General Worden, reiterated the need for our entire command to "get back to basics." In looking back over the past several months of mishap data, it is apparent that we need to get back to fundamentals like "aviate, navigate, communicate" in order to curb a disturbing trend of preventable mishaps.
Getting back to basics
Taking a school class lets her get back to basics, and doing big jumps and turns takes her out of her comfort zone.
Bold move: female ballet dancers who take men's class
Let's really get back to basics. How about parents being allowed to give their little darlings a quick slap or teachers taking up the cane and letting wayward children know who is the boss?
Let them know who's boss
I think it is critical for the company that one of the first things Bill Ford, Jr., said upon taking office was that the company would need to "get back to basics." That's both an important and hopeful statement of priorities.
Back to Basics. (Automotive Observations)
"We've got to get back to basics and start enjoying our football again.
Football: Let's go back to basics - Kightly
"We had our problems, there's no question about it, so coming to Ireland was like beginning all over again and it afforded us that time to get back to basics really.
'Ireland move was the start of a new life' HOLLYWOOD
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.