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back to basics

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back to basics

Returning 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.

See also: back, basic

back to basics

return to basic instruction; start the learning process over again. Class, you seem to have forgotten the simplest of facts, so it's back to basics for the first week of classes.

See also: back, basic

back to basics

returned to the main principles of something She got back to basics on her last album, using just a guitar and piano to produce some wonderful music.

Usage notes: often used with go or get, as in the example

Etymology: based on the idea of learning the basics in school (reading, writing, addition, subtraction)

See also: back, basic

back to basics

Back to fundamental principles, as in The plans are much too elaborate; to stay in our budget we have to get back to basics. At first this term was used mainly for schooling that stresses proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics (also see three R's), but it quickly was transferred to other areas. [1970s]

See also: back, basic