Idioms & SlangIntermediate
Back to the drawing board
PronunciationBAK too the DRAW-ing BORD
Definition
To start planning again from the beginning because the first plan failed.
Where you hear it
Design and project discussions.
Examples
The client rejected the design, so it's back to the drawing board.
The prototype failed. Back to the drawing board.
Common mistake
Using it for small problems. A failed test is not "back to the drawing board".
Keep exploring
More in Idioms & Slang