English idiom

think outside the box

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

To approach a problem in a fresh, creative, unconventional way.

Why this phrase?

From a puzzle whose solution requires drawing beyond the implied box.

Example

“We need to think outside the box to win back lost customers.”

Recorded usage

These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.

“Think outside the box” — 121 recorded occurrences

Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

break new ground

to do something that has never been done before; to pioneer

break the mould

to do something new and different that sets a new standard

cutting edge

the most advanced stage of development; state-of-the-art

game changer

a new development that fundamentally alters a situation or market

push the envelope

to go beyond the limits of what is known or accepted

silver bullet

a single, simple, magical solution that solves a hard problem completely

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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