take it from the top

Redo from start

Take it from the top means to start again from the beginning, originally a direction in music and theater rehearsals: That was rough—let's take it from the top.

The phrase extends to any situation requiring a fresh start or complete restart: I'm confused. Can you take it from the top?

restart

redo

Perform once more

do-overAnother chance given
fresh startOpportunity to restart unburdened
retryAttempt something again

restart · reset · recommence · start over · another pass · clean slate · mulligan · rewind · back to square one

rehearsal

run-through

Full practice of something

blockingImpeding forward progress
scriptWritten words for performance
linesStrokes connecting two points

cue · director · stage · practice · ensemble · choreography · scene · acting · dialogue · memorization

music

score

Numerical standing in competition

melodyPleasing sequence of notes
tempoRate of musical performance
dynamicsStudy of forces

crescendo · fortissimo · pianissimo · legato · staccato · conductor · downbeat · measure · orchestra · band

Categories

counting phrasesone two three, count to ten, on three, countdown, count off

Opposites

starting point in a sequence or performance

take it from the topcarry on

Continue doing something

resume · keep going · don't stop

direction of review or execution

take it from the topwork backwards

Family

take, taking, taker, takers, intake, uptake, from

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G