“Back to the pavilion” is an idiomatic expression primarily used in the context of cricket, but it has broader applications as well. Here are the meanings in different contexts:

Cricket Context

In cricket, the pavilion is the place where players sit when they are not on the field. When a player is “back to the pavilion,” it means that they have been dismissed (out) and have to return to the pavilion from the playing field. This term signifies the end of the player’s current stint at batting.

Broader Context

In a more general sense, the expression “back to the pavilion” can be used metaphorically to indicate that someone has had to stop their current activity, usually due to a failure or setback, and return to a starting point or place of retreat. It implies a return to a place of regrouping or reassessment after an unsuccessful attempt or outcome.

Examples in Usage

• Sports: “After getting bowled out, the batsman had to go back to the pavilion.”
• Work or Projects: “The project hit a major obstacle, so it’s back to the pavilion for the team to rethink their strategy.”
• Life Events: “After his business venture failed, he felt like he was back to the pavilion, needing to figure out his next steps.”