Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Back to the drawing board

What does it mean?

To start again because a plan or idea has failed.

Is it positive or negative?

Neutral to negative.

When do you use it?

Use it when a plan does not work and you need a new approach.

Examples

Example 1: The design failed the test, so it is back to the drawing board.

Example 2: If that idea does not work, we go back to the drawing board.

Question for you

When did you last have to go back to the drawing board?

Are you looking for English speaking practice online?

Back to the drawing board is a solid workplace phrase for restarting. We practise that kind of real talk in online lessons with a British native speaker. Another useful phrase is draw a line under. Find out more here.