Crossword Genius

Back to basics here, as Conserv­ative taking drugs? (6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

square one

'back to basics here' is the definition.

'conservative taking drugs?' is the wordplay.
'conservative' becomes 'square' (I've seen this before).
'taking' becomes 'on' (eg one taking drugs is 'on' drugs).
'drugs?' becomes 'e' (somebody 'on E' could also be 'on drugs'**).
'square'+'on'+'e'='SQUARE ONE'

'as' is the link.

(Other definitions for square one that I've seen before include "Back to . . . . . . . . . - at starting point with no progress made" , "back here after failure" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.