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.
See also: back, basic, get
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • get/go back to basics
  • go back to basics
  • back to basics
  • basic
  • have a long way to go
  • the meat and potatoes
  • get down to the nuts and bolts
  • the nuts and bolts of something
  • nuts and bolts
  • nuts and bolts, the
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.
"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.
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.
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.
We have to get back to basics and start winning again.
FORMER England batsman Chris Broad has urged Kevin Pietersen to "get back to basics" to try to end his dismal run of form.
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.
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.
Taking a school class lets her get back to basics, and doing big jumps and turns takes her out of her comfort zone.
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?
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.
"We've got to get back to basics and start enjoying our football again.
"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.