“Back to the Drawing Board”: Meaning, Examples and Sentences

Elaboration and Examples:

The phrase “back to the drawing board” is an idiomatic expression that is used to indicate that a previous attempt or plan has failed, and a new approach or solution must be found. When someone uses this phrase, they are essentially saying that it is time to start over and come up with a new strategy.

The phrase likely originated in the field of engineering or design, where it referred to the place where engineers and designers would create initial sketches and plans for new products or projects. If a design or plan failed to meet the required specifications or was otherwise deemed unworkable, the engineers and designers would have to go back to the sketching board” and start over with a new approach.

Today, the phrase is used more broadly to describe any situation where a previous approach or plan has failed, and a new solution is needed. For example, someone might say that a failed business venture requires them to go “back to the drawing board” and come up with a new plan, or that a failed relationship requires them to go “back to the drawing board” and reassess their approach to dating.

Overall, the phrase “back to the drawing board” is a way to indicate that a previous approach or plan has failed, and that a new approach is needed. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous way to acknowledge the need for a fresh start, but it can also be used in a more serious or somber context when a major setback or failure has occurred.

Sentences on “Back to the Drawing Board”