think outside the box


Also found in: Acronyms.

think outside (of) the box

To think of something that is outside of or beyond what is considered usual, traditional, or conventional; to think innovatively. I've been trying to think outside the box about what I want this term paper to be about. I know the professor hates unoriginal ideas. OK, team, we really need to think outside of the box if we're going to impress the CEO.
See also: box, outside, think

think outside the box

Fig. to think freely, not bound by old, nonfunctional, or limiting structures, rules, or practices. (As if thinking or creativity were confined in or limited by a figurative box. Compare this with think inside the box.) You won't come up with good ideas until you think outside the box. Let's think outside the box for a minute and try to find a better solution.
See also: box, outside, think

think outside the box

If you think outside the box, you have new and unusual ideas. They need to be able to think outside the box and move their role away from a purely technical focus.
See also: box, outside, think

think outside the box

have ideas that are original, creative, or innovative. informal
See also: box, outside, think
References in periodicals archive ?
Minister Hodgson has challenged us to think outside the box," Poulin says.
Concerted effort to spur growth
Bogdanow will now be able to enjoy dramatic and extraordinary views of New York because everyone involved in the negotiations was able to think outside the box.
Architects think out of the box
We know that in today's sluggish economy, business owners have to think outside the box.
Planning your strategies: the moves you make determine your destiny. (B.E./Microsoft Entrepreneurs Conference)
As Americans, we are told to think outside the box, to avoid profiling, to be accepting of diversity.
2001: an out-of-place odyssey: almost nothing about 2001 wound up the way we thought it would. Forget Kubrick's 33-year-old predictions--how about from Jnauary? (notes from a blond)
I recognize this bill is willing to think outside the box,'' Romero said last week, ``and I'm willing to stir it up.
EDITORIAL THINKING BIGGER BABY STEPS WON'T PRODUCE REAL REFORM OF THE LAUSD
The reality is this overpriced real estate market requires one to think outside the box.
How to survive in 2005
If you're a hard worker and you're willing to think outside the box, then the opportunities are endless.
Get in where you fit in--and win
We are looking to think outside the box in ways to generate money for the city,'' Councilwoman Wendy Greuel said.
COUNCIL GIVES OK TO STUDY OF ADS ON CITY VEHICLES
The developers willingness to run risks and the architects willingness to think outside the box really is a measure of how much confidence people have in the future of New York City," he said.
Mayor applauds city's builders
This center shows that we decided to think outside the box and take a proactive approach to helping teens, some of whom have serious problems,'' said Councilman Dave Weaver.
YMCA TO BUILD NEW SHELTER FOR HOMELESS TEENAGERS
First, retailers looking to grow in modem facilities in northern New Jersey are being forced to think outside the box as the market continues to tighten.
Industrial-to-retail provides opportunities
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