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Region: US | Usage example: The prototype failed, so it’s back to the drawing board.

Back to the drawing board

Meaning

Return to planning stage after a failure.

Usage

Used in engineering, design, or any project after setbacks.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Popularized by cartoons depicting engineers restarting their plans.

Attributed to illustrator Peter Arno in the 1940s for a cartoon of failed aircraft.

Related Idioms

Go back to the drawing board

Restart planning from scratch.

Circle back

Return to something later.

On the back burner

Put into a lower priority state.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.