think outside the box
think outside the box
Variation
- think out of the box
- out of the box thinking
Meaning
- think differently
- to be creative and produce something that is not usual or boring
- to come up with something that is unique and interesting
- look at the broader context of a problem, challenge etc.
Example Sentences
- The team always thinks outside the box to come up with unique advertisements for all its clients.
- This particular technology is quite out of the box in nature and should be a hit really easily.
- I teach my children to think of solutions which are outside the box. It helps them with problem solving and innovative thinking.
- In our organisation, thinking outside the box has an added advantage for all of the employees.
- This out of the box thinking has helped save many lives when travelling by the sea.
- I am trying to think outside the box to make this event a success at any cost this year.
- Sarah has spent her whole life in performing a routine job work so don’t expect that she would ever be able to think outside the box.
Origin
The phrase originates from a simile which draws a person’s thought in comparison to a box and how anything outside seems far-fetched and unachievable. It comes from the advertisement and marketing world where products compete for space in the market. Thinking outside the box helps the product life-cycle to become longer. The literary origin can be traced to the 20th century.
Share your thoughts3 Thoughts
A comparatively easy puzzle and requires out of box thinking. What letter comes in _ J, F, M, A, M, J, J, A, S, O, N, _
- Kishor Bharucha May 29, 2021
There's a puzzle with 9 dots in a square or "box" pattern. Puzzle solvers are asked to "set down pen(cil) and draw exactly 4 straight lines through all 9 dots," it is only possible if one draws a big arrow with the corners of the triangle at the head "outside the box". youtube.com/watch?v=XgngdrNNlgU
- Greg Stone August 31, 2020
I love this online book of idioms and phrase. It is very helpful and good to read.
- Jimmy Satugay March 3, 2019