THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Back to the drawing board
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To start over from the beginning because the current attempt failed.
Usage note: keep in mind
Back to the drawing board means returning to planning after an attempt did not work. It usually suggests a significant rethink rather than a tiny correction. Use go back to the drawing board or be back at the drawing board to describe the next stage.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Our marketing plan didn’t work, so it’s back to the drawing board for the team.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Our marketing plan didn’t work, so it’s ________ for the team.
Show the answer
Back to the drawing board — To start over from the beginning because the current attempt failed.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Back to the drawing board” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To start over from the beginning because the current attempt failed.
Compare: Our marketing plan didn’t work, so it’s back to the drawing board for the team.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The prototype did not fit the available space, so we went back to the drawing board.
- Our first timetable left no lunch break. It was back to the drawing board for us.
Check your understanding
Would changing one comma normally mean going back to the drawing board?
Check your answer
No. The phrase normally suggests reconsidering the design or plan in a substantial way, rather than making a minor edit.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where back to the drawing board fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.