1
general::
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]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs