1.
starting point; square one; beginning
The initial starting point. Most commonly used in the expression 振り出しに戻る (to go back to square one), referring to returning to the beginning after progress is lost.
Usage
振り出し originally refers to the starting square in a board game (like sugoroku). The expression 振り出しに戻る (to go back to square one) is extremely common and is the primary way this word is used in everyday Japanese.
Common collocations
- 振り出しに戻る (to go back to square one)
- 振り出しから (from the beginning)
- 振り出しに戻す (to put something back to the starting point)
Cultural note
The word comes from すごろく (Japanese backgammon/board game), where 振り出し is the starting square. Landing on certain squares sends you back to 振り出し.