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What does “back to the drawing board” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
Said when a plan has failed and you need to start again
“That idea didn't work, so it's back to the drawing board.”
From the B2 lesson Cutting to the Chase (workplace idioms).
C1
Having to start again after a plan has failed
“The client hated it, so it's back to the drawing board.”
From the C1 lesson Cutting to the Chase (workplace idioms).
Quick check
What does “back to the drawing board” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“back to the drawing board” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 3 (Money, Food, Work and Travel) and C1 Pack 3 (Money, Food, Work and Travel).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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