back to the drawing board
Start from scratch
Back to the drawing board means returning to the planning stage after a failure or setback.
The phrase evokes engineers or designers scrapping a flawed prototype to start fresh with new blueprints: The prototype failed testing, so it's back to the drawing board.
Often used with resignation or determination when an approach hasn't worked: That didn't pan out—back to the drawing board.
- back to square oneReturn to the beginning
- clean slateRecord wiped clear
- starting pointPlace of commencement
- square oneInitial position, metaphorically
- from scratchStarting with nothing prepared
restart · reboot · start over · do over · reset · back to basics · redesign · concept · prototype · rough draft · rejection · adaptability · sketch · setback · draft · whiteboard · failure · outline
- clichescliche, platitude, bromide, tired phrase, worn phrase
- labor idiomsnose to the grindstone, burning the midnight oil, pull your weight, crunch time, work like a dog
- constructionconstruction site, building site, hammer, building, beam
- office jargonsynergy, circle back, touch base, deep dive, action item
back to the drawing boardmission accomplished
Task finished, goal met
finished · done · completed · progressing · moving forward
back to the drawing boardsuccess
Favorable outcome attained
nailed it · hit the mark · got it right · bullseye · home run
back to the drawing boardmission accomplished
Task finished, goal met
success · nailed it · done and dusted · finished · completed
backed, backing, backside, backward, backwards, drawing, drawings, redraw, boards