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Back to the drawing board

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

19 March 2026

Back to the drawing board

We use this expression when we have to stop an existing plan and start making a new one.

Written: No

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

How are you getting on with your project?

My tutor said it wasn't a good topic. I have to think of something different by Monday.

Well, I guess it's back to the drawing board then.

Example 2

Are we still celebrating your birthday next weekend?

I'm afraid none of the people I invited could come.

Then it's back to the drawing board I suppose.

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