back to basics

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

back to basics

abandoning complication and sophistication to concentrate on the most essential aspects of something.
Back to basics is often used to suggest the moral superiority of the plain and simple, as in a speech made in 1993 by the British Conservative leader John Major , who spearheaded the government's campaign for the regeneration of basic family and educational values in the 1990s.
See also: back, basic
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • basic
  • get back to basics
  • get/go back to basics
  • go back to basics
  • have a long way to go
  • the meat and potatoes
  • get down to the nuts and bolts
  • the nuts and bolts
  • the nuts and bolts of something
  • nuts and bolts
References in periodicals archive
For more information, please contact Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc.
"It is about getting back to basics and watching the ball and only thinking about that."
Back to Basics Uplifting Body Lotion in Pomegranate Peach, $10.50, BacktoBasics.com
However simple this may seem, it's time to get back to basics and restore faith in our ability to do what is right.
Major launched his famous back to basics campaign from the platform of the Tory conference in 1993.
According to Hom, Ford is currently getting back to basics: emphasizing quality and productivity.
The first day will focus on Back to Basics, including administrative issues of filing returns, accounting issues, intercompany transactions, and basic loss issues.
The "back to basics" attitude that prevailed over the past few years in an attempt to trim operational/support expenditures will continue into the coming years.
RODDY MacLENNAN admits Linlithgow had to get back to basics to reignite their East Superleague title defence.
STEVE Clarke has promised to get 'back to basics' after admitting Sunday's defeat to Norwich was likely to hurt for a few days.
Back to Basics is a free “one-stop-shop” to discover, share and promote new Irish music at home and abroad.
Cliff Walker, executive director of Back to Basics, declined to say how much money was spent on the ad, but he said it is currently on the air in "unspecified markets" around the state.
And Liz, from Garston, said she'll be going back to basics teaching people how to boil an egg or make the "perfect" mashed potato.
Summary: Colin Firth went back to basics while filming his new movie Genoa with director Michael Winterbottom.