1
general::
Do something again, from the beginning, especially in a needless or inefficient effort, as in School committees need not reinvent the wheel every time they try to improve the curriculum. This expression alludes to the invention of a simple but very important device that requires no improvement. [Second half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): reinvent the wheel
Fig. to make unnecessary or redundant preparations. • You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Read up on what others have done. • I don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but I will be cautious before I act.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs