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think outside the box — to think in a creative, unconventional, or innovative way; to approach problems with fresh perspective

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: to think in a creative, unconventional, or innovative way; to approach problems with fresh perspective

Pronunciation (IPA): /θɪŋk ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɑːks/

Example Sentences

  • When the elevator got stuck, Tom thought outside the box and used pizza boxes to make a slide down the shaft.
  • The company's success came from employees who consistently thought outside the box.
  • My grandmother thinks outside the box - she uses her smartphone as a coaster for her tea cup.

think outside the box

NOUN

[/θɪŋk ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɑːks/]

to think in a creative, unconventional, or innovative way; to approach problems with fresh perspective

The team had to think outside the box to escape the locked room puzzle.
💡 Concept

The team had to think outside the box to escape the locked room puzzle.

Break free from rocks, think outside the box!
🎵 Rhyme

Break free from rocks, think outside the box!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/θɪŋk ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɑːks/
🇬🇧 UK/θɪŋk ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɒks/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase originated in American management consulting during the 1970s, derived from a popular puzzle known as the 'nine dots puzzle' in which nine points must be connected using four straight lines. The puzzle's solution requires drawing lines outside the implied square boundary formed by the dots, leading to the metaphorical meaning of thinking beyond conventional limitations or preconceived notions.

Breakdown

think (to engage in cognitive processes) + outside (beyond the perimeter of) + the box (a metaphorical representation of conventional constraints or established frameworks).

🎵Rhyme

boxrocksclocksstocks
box
rocks
clocks
stocks

🔗Collocations

encourage thinking outside the box
ability to think outside the box
think outside the box approach
force to think outside the box
learn to think outside the box

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“When the elevator got stuck, Tom thought outside the box and used pizza boxes to make a slide down the shaft.”

“The company's success came from employees who consistently thought outside the box.”

😄 Fun example

“My grandmother thinks outside the box - she uses her smartphone as a coaster for her tea cup.”

“Innovation requires leaders who can think outside the box and challenge conventional wisdom.”

📚Related Words

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