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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

think outside the box

have ideas that are original, creative, or innovative. informal
See also: box, outside, think
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in periodicals archive ?
Now, think outside the box. When the new resident falls in line and complies with nursing home routine, does he or she succumb and surrender to the institution?
Thinking outside the box
So think outside the box and try some of these delicious, inexpensive wines and the travels through the vineous world will be well rewarded.
wine notes
After completing extensive research the authors believe the most appropriate meaning for education is Blendinger's and McGrath's (2000) "defined as a problem-solving power that everyone possesses when thinking differently from conventional thought." Frequently students are asked to think outside the box when presented with real life problems and asked to find a solution.
Is think outside the box 21st century code for imagination, innovation, creativity, critical thinking, intuition?
Janet Balas points you to resources for reaching out to your patrons rather than waiting for them to come in; and Marshall Breeding helps you think outside the box of your own profession by suggesting how you might build your own customized career path.
Invictus
When will planners think outside the box? G.W.Davies, Pensby
Two tier society; You Say Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk
It's really good to see that there are a few people who can think outside the box rather than crib about why the world around them is changing this way!
Out of the box
* Think outside the box, and onto the bottle, when advertising.
Market like an all star
I WOULD love to be able to comply with the request from Dave Pascoe of the UK Independence Party that we "think outside the box" at the next ballot (Voice of the North, July 18), but do we really have that much choice on who we vote for?
Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Do we really have that much choice?
RICHARD Money today revealed that Walsall are not afraid to "think outside the box" as they seek to strengthen their squad this summer.
Football: Walsall widen net for striker
'We already have enough lawyers in state government, what we need is more people who cab think outside the box ..." said Soltani.
Pot calling the kettle black
"Any experienced title company should not only provide title insurance, but also provide problem solving and legal support to their clients, and that was just one example of Prestige Title's ability to think outside the box and provide a value added service to our client."
Thinking out of the box puts Chiellino in top spot: Anthony Chiellino, founder & president Prestige Title
We encouraged employees to think outside the box. We also explained that the employer looks at the total cost of an employee, which includes benefits, and that rising health care costs will have an impact on their salaries.
Tackling health care together: by involving district employees, M. Mohsin Dada made health plan changes that saved millions
"At a conference like this, it's sometimes like a three-ring circus, but there are so many people there who think outside the box. It offers a different way of looking at things, and if you go in with an open mind, you can always learn something."
Science, industrial sectors converge at CLRA event
Those rare Realtors who can think outside the box may be surprised at the fresh challenges that inspire them.
So you think you can sell real estate? With property prices peaking, real estate remains a popular second career choice. An out expert offers tips on what can make gays and lesbians good realtors
He sums up his suggestions by saying that bishops should "think outside the box." But Mr.
Bishops as CEOs
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?