square (redirected from at square one)

back to square one

if you are back to square one, you have to start working on a plan from the beginning because your previous attempt failed and the progress you made is now wasted. We thought everything was settled, but now they say they're not happy with the deal, so we're back to square one again. If this guy rejects our offer we'll have to go back to square one and start the whole recruitment process again.

See also: back

be on the square (mainly American)

to be completely honest in what you say and do. So this guy you're buying the car from - how do you know he's on the square?

fair and square

1. in an honest way and without any doubt. We won the match fair and square.

(British & Australian)

2. if you hit someone fair and square on a particular part of their body, you hit them hard exactly on that part. She hit me fair and square on the nose.

See also: fair

a square meal

a big meal that provides your body with all the different types of food it needs to stay healthy. Most of these supermodels don't look like they've had a square meal in their life. If you're only eating a chocolate bar for lunch you need a good square meal in the evening.

See also: meal

a square peg (in a round hole)

someone whose character makes them completely wrong for the type of work they are doing or for the situation they are in. I never did understand what Paddy was doing in accounts - he was a square peg in a round hole.

See also: peg

square the circle

to find a good solution to a problem when that seems impossible, especially because the people involved have very different needs or opinions about it. Few poor countries can afford to look after their works of art properly, but neglect is unwise if you want to attract tourists. Thailand is attempting to square the circle.

See also: circle

---

back to square one

returned to the beginning. The investigation was back to square one when Mrs. Earle proved she wasn't anywhere near the crime.

go back to the drawing board

See also: back

fair and square

honestly. We played very well and won, fair and square.

See also: fair

square off

to oppose someone directly. Two teams of students square off and earn points for answering questions correctly. Candidates are supposed to square off in a debate and focus on the issues.

Etymology: from the meaning in boxing of square off (= to take a position that shows you are ready to fight)

a square peg (in a round hole)

someone who is different from most people of the same age and situation. In high school she was defininitely a square peg, but even if they didn't understand her, most kids admired her.

See also: peg

square your shoulders

to show determination and a lack of fear. When the judge asked her if she was guilty or not guilty, she squared her shoulders, looked the judge in the eye, and said, “Not guilty.”

See also: shoulder

square the circle

to solve an unusually difficult problem. To get both sides to agree to anything at all meant we had to square the circle.

have it both ways

Etymology: from the problem in geometry (= a branch of mathematics) of constructing a square that is equal in area to a circle

See also: circle

square with something

to agree with something. Tom's explanation does not square with his earlier statement. Her view fails to square with historical reality.

Usage notes: usually used in the negative

squared away

perfectly arranged or organized. Just when you think your kids are squared away and you can relax, one of them decides to do something crazy.

See also: away