PhrasesHub

Back to the drawing board

    Definitions

      • start over
        To go back to the beginning and start a task or project again, usually because the previous attempt was unsuccessful or unsatisfactory. This can also be used to express the need for a complete reset or fresh approach in solving a problem or creating something new.

      • rethink or revise
        To reassess and make changes to a plan or idea, often after it has been rejected or deemed insufficient. This can also refer to the process of refining and improving something that was previously thought to be complete or finalized.

      • admit failure
        To acknowledge that a previous attempt or idea was not successful and needs to be abandoned or improved upon. This can also be used to express disappointment or frustration with the outcome of a situation, and the need to start over in order to achieve a better result.

    Examples of Back to the drawing board

    • After several failed attempts, the company realized that their marketing strategy wasn't working and decided to go back to the drawing board.

      This idiom means to start over or to rethink a plan from the beginning. It comes from the idea of an architect or designer returning to the original sketches or drawings to make changes or improvements.

    • The writer hit a roadblock in her novel and knew it was time to go back to the drawing board. She spent weeks brainstorming new ideas and outlining a fresh approach.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a creative context, such as in writing or art. It emphasizes the importance of starting over when faced with a creative block or a lack of inspiration.

    • The team's initial plan for the project fell short of expectations, so they had to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new approach.

      This example highlights the versatility of the idiom, as it can be applied to a variety of situations, from business to creative pursuits. It underscores the idea that sometimes, the best way forward is to start over and approach the problem from a new angle.

    • The chef was dissatisfied with the dish she had created and decided to go back to the drawing board. She spent hours experimenting with new flavors and ingredients until she found a winning combination.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in a practical context, such as in cooking or other hands-on professions. It emphasizes the importance of being flexible and adaptable when faced with a setback or a failure.

    • The student struggled with the math problem and knew it was time to go back to the drawing board. She reviewed the concepts she had learned and practiced solving similar problems until she felt confident.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in an educational context, such as in studying or learning a new skill. It underscores the importance of reviewing and refreshing one's knowledge when faced with a challenge or a difficulty.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "back to the drawing board" is often used to convey the idea of starting over, whether it is in the literal sense of going back to the beginning of a project or task, or in a more figurative sense of reassessing and making changes to a plan or idea. It can also be used to express the need for a fresh approach or complete reset in solving a problem or creating something new. Ultimately, the phrase implies the recognition of a previous failure or unsatisfactory outcome and the determination to try again.

    Origin of "Back to the drawing board"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the process of designing and creating something, specifically in the field of engineering or architecture. When a design or plan was not successful, the engineers or architects would literally go back to their drawing board, which was a large flat surface used for sketching and drawing, in order to start over and come up with a new design. Over time, the phrase became more widely used to refer to any situation where a fresh start or new approach was needed.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase originated from the game of chess, where players would often go back to the drawing board, or the board with the pieces, in order to rethink their strategy after a failed move. This idea of starting over and revising a plan can also be seen in other games and sports.

    Overall, the idiom "back to the drawing board" has become a common expression used in various contexts to convey the need for a fresh start or a new approach in achieving a desired outcome.