From a different angle
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this to politely shift a conversation toward a fresh, creative, or overlooked perspective.
En 15 secondes
- Changing your perspective to find a new solution.
- A polite way to introduce a fresh idea or counter-argument.
- Useful for brainstorming, problem-solving, and critical discussions.
Signification
It means looking at a problem or situation in a new way to find a fresh solution. It is like physically moving your body to see an object from a different side.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Solving a budget issue in a meeting
If we look at the budget from a different angle, we might save on marketing.
If we look at the budget from a different angle, we might save on marketing.
Discussing a friend's relationship drama
Try looking at it from a different angle; maybe he was just tired.
Try looking at it from a different angle; maybe he was just tired.
Texting a teammate about a project
Wait, let's view the design from a different angle before we print it.
Wait, let's view the design from a different angle before we print it.
Contexte culturel
The phrase gained massive popularity with the rise of 'lateral thinking' in the 1960s. It reflects the Western value of individual problem-solving and the idea that there is always a creative workaround. In modern tech culture, it is often linked to 'disruption' and 'pivoting'.
The 'Polite Pivot'
Use this phrase when you disagree with someone but don't want to be rude. It makes your disagreement sound like a 'new contribution' instead of a 'correction'.
Don't be too literal
Unless you are a photographer or a carpenter, people will assume you are talking about ideas, not your physical eyesight!
En 15 secondes
- Changing your perspective to find a new solution.
- A polite way to introduce a fresh idea or counter-argument.
- Useful for brainstorming, problem-solving, and critical discussions.
What It Means
Imagine you are looking at a giant sculpture. If you stand right in front, you see one thing. If you walk to the side, you see something totally new. This phrase does that with ideas. It means changing your mental perspective. You stop focusing on the obvious facts. You start looking for hidden details or new logic.
How To Use It
Use it when a conversation feels stuck. It acts as a bridge to a new suggestion. You can say, Let’s look at this from a different angle. It sounds smart and collaborative. You are not saying the current idea is bad. You are just saying there might be more to see. It works great in brainstorming sessions. Use it to introduce a 'what if' scenario.
When To Use It
Use it during a tough meeting at work. It helps when your team is hitting a wall. Use it with friends when debating a movie plot. It is perfect for solving puzzles or fixing broken appliances. If your IKEA desk won't fit, try looking at the room from a different angle. It is a very versatile tool for critical thinking.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple, factual things. If someone asks for the time, don't look at it from a different angle. That is just confusing. Avoid it in highly emotional, tragic moments. If a friend is grieving, they don't need a 'new perspective' yet. They just need a hug. Also, don't use it if you are literally talking about geometry. That might get too literal!
Cultural Background
Western culture loves 'out of the box' thinking. This phrase comes from photography and architecture. In the mid-20th century, it moved into business English. It reflects a culture that values innovation over tradition. It suggests that the first answer isn't always the best one. It encourages people to be detectives in their own lives.
Common Variations
From another angle(Very common)From a different perspective(More formal)A new slant on things(A bit more journalistic)Looking at the flip side(More casual and fun)
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly flexible and carries a neutral to professional register. It is a 'safe' phrase to use in almost any English-speaking environment to suggest a change in thought process.
The 'Polite Pivot'
Use this phrase when you disagree with someone but don't want to be rude. It makes your disagreement sound like a 'new contribution' instead of a 'correction'.
Don't be too literal
Unless you are a photographer or a carpenter, people will assume you are talking about ideas, not your physical eyesight!
The 'Think Different' Vibe
In the US, using this phrase makes you sound like a 'visionary' or a 'problem solver.' It's a high-value trait in corporate culture.
Exemples
6If we look at the budget from a different angle, we might save on marketing.
If we look at the budget from a different angle, we might save on marketing.
Suggests a creative solution without criticizing the current budget.
Try looking at it from a different angle; maybe he was just tired.
Try looking at it from a different angle; maybe he was just tired.
Offers a more sympathetic view of someone else's behavior.
Wait, let's view the design from a different angle before we print it.
Wait, let's view the design from a different angle before we print it.
A quick check to ensure no mistakes were missed.
We need to see this crime from a different angle to find the killer.
We need to see this crime from a different angle to find the killer.
Classic trope of finding a hidden clue through perspective.
If we tilt it and look at the door from a different angle, it might fit!
If we tilt it and look at the door from a different angle, it might fit!
A humorous take on a literal and metaphorical problem.
From a different angle, this mistake was actually a great lesson.
From a different angle, this mistake was actually a great lesson.
Used for emotional reframing and personal growth.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the phrase for a business context.
We've been stuck on this for hours. Let's try to approach the problem from a different ___.
The standard expression is 'from a different angle' to mean a new perspective.
Which preposition usually starts this phrase?
___ a different angle, the situation doesn't look so bad.
We use 'from' to indicate the point of origin for the perspective.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'From a Different Angle'
Used with friends to rethink a situation.
Look at it from another angle, dude.
The sweet spot for this phrase. Perfect for most settings.
Let's look at this from a different angle.
Used in academic or high-level business writing.
When viewed from a different angle, the data suggests...
Where to use 'From a Different Angle'
Brainstorming
Generating new marketing ideas.
Conflict Resolution
Understanding a partner's point of view.
Problem Solving
Fixing a technical bug.
Artistic Critique
Reviewing a painting or film.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, they are almost identical. Perspective is slightly more formal, while angle is common in everyday speech.
Not usually for ideas. At an angle usually refers to physical geometry, like a leaning tower. Use from for viewpoints.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. However, in very formal papers, you might prefer Alternatively or From another perspective.
Keep it short. Maybe look at it from a diff angle? works great when giving advice to a friend.
Not necessarily. It suggests that the current view is incomplete, rather than incorrect.
Absolutely. If you are trying to see if a car will fit in a garage, you can literally look at it from a different angle.
There isn't a direct idiom, but you might say someone has tunnel vision or is narrow-minded.
Both are correct and interchangeable. Another angle is slightly more common in casual conversation.
It is very common, but it's not usually seen as a tired cliché. It's considered a standard part of critical thinking vocabulary.
Yes, especially when trying to resolve an argument. Let's look at our relationship from a different angle can be a very deep conversation starter.
Expressions liées
Think outside the box
To think creatively and unconventionally.
Fresh eyes
A new person looking at a problem for the first time.
The big picture
The entire perspective on a situation, rather than just the details.
Put yourself in someone else's shoes
To imagine a situation from another person's point of view.
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