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• back-to-basics
  back-to-basics

  adjective

  stressing simplicity and adherence to fundamental principles.
• back to basics
  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]

back-to-basics

American  

[bak-tuh-bay-siks] / ˈbæk təˈbeɪ sɪks /

adjective

1. stressing simplicity and adherence to fundamental principles.

   The movement suggests a back-to-basics approach to living for those whose lives have become complicated.

2. emphasizing or based upon the teaching of such basic subjects as reading, arithmetic, grammar, or history in a traditional way.

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back to basics Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

back-to-basics back to basics

Although G20 talks broadened to cover issues like climate change and global health over time, analysts expect Washington to advocate a "back-to-basics" approach this year.

From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026

He curtly dismisses 2005’s strong “A Bigger Bang” and 2016’s “Blue & Lonesome,” a back-to-basics album of blues covers, as “adequate endeavors that signaled a band living on borrowed time.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2026

But do shoppers really want to buy these creative versions of Easter classics or is a back-to-basics approach the way forward, particularly when the cost of living is rising?

From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2026

The company’s turnaround plan, which it has been working on for a while, appears to include a back-to-basics approach.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 31, 2025

“We are laser focused on executing our back-to-basics plan, strengthening our culture, elevating the guest experience and fully realizing the significant potential of our unique and iconic brand.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 9, 2025

He emphasized the importance of getting back to basics.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026

Some are eager to get back to basics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 2026

Sources who know Carrick say his intention has been to strip training back to basics.

From BBC ● Apr. 1, 2026

Dr Maxwell says "back to basics" is his key wellness theme - eat well, sleep and move - those three things are key to being healthy.

From BBC ● Jan. 2, 2026

We can overcome these barriers by going back to basics, i.e. to our definitions.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Thomas Colignatus

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