drawing board

noun

1. a rectangular board on which paper is placed or mounted for drawing or drafting.

drawing board

noun

1. a smooth flat rectangular board on which paper, canvas, etc, is placed for making drawings

2. return to an earlier stage in an enterprise because a planned undertaking has failed

Word History and Origins

Origin of drawing board¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. back to the drawing board, back to the original or an earlier stage of planning or development.

   Our plan didn't work out, so it's back to the drawing board.

2. on the drawing board, in the planning or design stage.

   The shopping center is still on the drawing board.

see back to the drawing board.

Example Sentences

"There's another bit that moves on in court - something changes - and we're back to the drawing board," he added.

From BBC

Wednesday's rejection means the government will have to go back to the drawing board, with little time to meet its 27 October deadline.

From BBC

The format tried in March was a flop, with Silver admitting, “We’re a bit back to the drawing board.”

From Los Angeles Times

But his momentum didn’t last, and he ended his night by admitting, “Taking myself back to the drawing board.”

From Los Angeles Times

Several weeks later, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order reaffirming California’s commitment to its emissions goals, and effectively sending state agencies back to the drawing board in light of a newly antagonistic federal government.

From Los Angeles Times