think outside the box
/ˌθɪŋk ˌaʊtsaɪd ðə ˈbɒks/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
to think in a new and creative way
Examples
- 1The head teacher asked the staff to think outside the box about timetables.
- 2Their whole campaign came from one designer who thinks outside the box.
- 3We need someone who can think outside the box, not follow a manual.
- 4Priya thought outside the box and turned the empty shop into a studio.
- 5Does anyone here ever think outside the box, or is it the same plan again?
Grammar
Only think changes form (thought). Keep outside the box fixed: outside does not become out of.
Similar in meaning
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English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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