Skip to main content

think outside the boxto 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!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

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

🌳Etymology

🎵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

Synonyms

think creativelybrainstorminnovatebe unconventionalbreak new ground

Antonyms

think conventionallyfollow the rulesstick to tradition

Related

creativityinnovationbrainstorminglateral thinkingoutside perspective

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.