Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

drawing board

NOUN
the beginning
Synonyms
WEAK
drafting board planning stage square one start

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Hyseas project culminated in a design for a hydrogen-powered small ferry for Orkney - but it never got beyond the drawing board.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

The bank was officially launched last year and is now well beyond the drawing board.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Talk about going back to the drawing board.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Lewis and other Republican leaders went back to the drawing board.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

Even so, this was a blow to the government, for they now had to go back to the drawing board in the case they were calling the trial to end all trials.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela