push the envelope — to go beyond the usual limits by being more extreme or daring; to test the boundaries of what is possible or acceptable
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to go beyond the usual limits by being more extreme or daring; to test the boundaries of what is possible or acceptable
Pronunciation (IPA): /pʊʃ ði ˈenvəloʊp/
Example Sentences
- The chef decided to push the envelope by serving ice cream with kimchi sauce.
- She always pushes the envelope in fashion, wearing summer dresses in winter.
- The company pushes the envelope with innovative marketing strategies to stay ahead of competitors.
push the envelope
NOUN[/pʊʃ ði ˈenvəloʊp/]
to go beyond the usual limits by being more extreme or daring; to test the boundaries of what is possible or acceptable
Test pilots push the envelope, flying higher and faster than anyone before.
The antelope pushes the envelope with the envelope!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This expression originates from aviation terminology, where 'envelope' referred to the boundary line of a graph representing safe flight limits for aircraft. Test pilots adopted the practice of 'pushing' against this safety boundary to explore and test new performance limits, leading to the figurative use of the phrase.
Breakdown
push (to exert force, drive forward) + envelope (the outer limit or boundary of safe operational parameters, from the graphical representation used in aeronautics).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chef decided to push the envelope by serving ice cream with kimchi sauce.”
“She always pushes the envelope in fashion, wearing summer dresses in winter.”
“The company pushes the envelope with innovative marketing strategies to stay ahead of competitors.”
“My grandfather pushes the envelope by using emojis in his business emails.”
“Scientists push the envelope of human knowledge through groundbreaking research.”
📚Related Words
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