Idioms about Squares

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The square shape is often used in idioms as a metaphor for honesty, fairness, and sometimes conformity. Here is a list of square-related idioms:

  1. a square – someone with an old-fashioned/conformist/dull attitude and way of life
  2. a square answer – an honest answer
  3. a square deal – a fair deal
  4. a square meal – a balanced and satisfying meal
  5. a square peg in a round hole – someone who is in a situation which is unsuited to their abilities
  6. back to square one – back to where you started (before any progress was made)
  7. be there, or be square! – a light-hearted expression used to pressure someone into coming to an event
  8. fair and square – fair and honest
  9. on the square – honest
  10. out of the square – not at right angles, not in agreement
  11. to attempt to square the circle – to attempt something impossible
  12. to call it square – to agree that neither person involved in a situation owes the other anything
  13. to look someone square in the eye – to look at someone directly in the eye (without showing any fear or embarrassment you might be feeling)
  14. to square accounts – to agree that neither person involved in a situation owes the other anything
  15. to square away – to deal with something satisfactorily, to put something in order
  16. to square off – to assume the stance and attitude of someone who’s about to fight, to settle a disagreement
  17. to square one’s shoulders – to literally push your shoulders into a square shape before undertaking a difficult task
  18. to square something with someone – to agree that neither person involved in a situation owes the other anything
  19. to square up – to settle a bill or debt, to reconcile a dispute

Can you think of any square-related idioms that aren’t on this list? Let us know in the comments.

If you enjoyed this post, check out our other articles about idioms.

 


04 Dec 2018
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"This is a fantastic opportunity for our students!  I'm sure Spellzone will be invaluable in helping them to improve their spellings and therefore improve the quality of their writing in all subject areas!"

Teacher, High School, UK