think outside the box
To think creatively and unconventionally
Littéralement: To use your brain to find ideas outside of a physical square container.
Use this to encourage someone to find a clever, unconventional solution to a difficult problem.
En 15 secondes
- Solve problems using creative, non-traditional methods.
- Step away from the obvious or standard way of thinking.
- Common in business, art, and personal brainstorming sessions.
Signification
Imagine you are stuck in a small box. To solve a problem, you must step out of it and look at things from a totally new perspective. It means finding a creative solution that isn't obvious or traditional.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Brainstorming a marketing campaign
If we want to beat our competitors, we really need to think outside the box.
If we want to beat our competitors, we really need to think outside the box.
Planning a unique date
Dinner and a movie is boring; let's think outside the box for our anniversary.
Dinner and a movie is boring; let's think outside the box for our anniversary.
Texting a friend about a DIY project
I used old ladders as bookshelves. Had to think outside the box for storage!
I used old ladders as bookshelves. Had to think outside the box for storage!
Contexte culturel
The phrase is widely attributed to the 'nine dots' logic puzzle used by management consultants in the 1970s. It captures the Western business obsession with 'disruption' and 'innovation' over traditional methods. While common in the US and UK, it has become a global standard for corporate creativity.
Pair it with 'Approach'
You can say 'an outside-the-box approach' to use it as an adjective. It makes you sound very fluent!
Don't overdo it
Because this is a 'buzzword,' some people find it annoying in business. Use 'creative' or 'innovative' sometimes to mix it up.
En 15 secondes
- Solve problems using creative, non-traditional methods.
- Step away from the obvious or standard way of thinking.
- Common in business, art, and personal brainstorming sessions.
What It Means
Think outside the box is all about creativity. It means ignoring the usual rules. You stop looking at the standard way of doing things. Instead, you find a fresh, clever solution. It is like being an artist in a world of accountants. You look for the 'hidden' answer that others miss.
How To Use It
You can use this as a verb phrase. You might say, 'We need to think outside the box.' It often follows words like 'need to' or 'try to.' You can also use it to describe a person. 'She always thinks outside the box.' It is a great way to praise someone's unique ideas. Just don't use it for boring, everyday tasks like brushing your teeth!
When To Use It
This is perfect for brainstorming sessions at work. Use it when a problem feels impossible to solve. It works well when you are planning a surprise party. It is also great for marketing or design projects. If your friend is stuck on a dating app problem, tell them this. It encourages people to be brave and weird.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very serious, tragic situations. If a doctor is performing surgery, you want them to follow the rules! Don't use it if the solution is actually very simple. It can sound like 'corporate speak' if you say it too much. Some people find it a bit of a cliché. Use it sparingly to keep it sounding fresh.
Cultural Background
This phrase became famous in the 1970s and 80s. It likely comes from the 'nine dots' puzzle. To connect nine dots with four lines, you must draw lines outside the square. It represents the American 'pioneer' spirit of innovation. It is now a staple of business culture worldwide. It reflects a culture that values individuality over tradition.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say think out of the box. Others might say lateral thinking to sound more academic. In modern offices, people joke about breaking the box. You might also hear blue-sky thinking for big, unlimited ideas. If someone is really wild, they might have no box at all!
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral but leans toward professional/business contexts. It is safe to use with your boss or your friends, but avoid overusing it in creative writing as it can feel unoriginal.
Pair it with 'Approach'
You can say 'an outside-the-box approach' to use it as an adjective. It makes you sound very fluent!
Don't overdo it
Because this is a 'buzzword,' some people find it annoying in business. Use 'creative' or 'innovative' sometimes to mix it up.
The Nine Dots Secret
If you want to impress locals, mention that the phrase comes from a 1970s puzzle. It shows you know the history!
Exemples
6If we want to beat our competitors, we really need to think outside the box.
If we want to beat our competitors, we really need to think outside the box.
Used here to encourage a team to find a unique strategy.
Dinner and a movie is boring; let's think outside the box for our anniversary.
Dinner and a movie is boring; let's think outside the box for our anniversary.
Suggesting an unconventional activity instead of a cliché one.
I used old ladders as bookshelves. Had to think outside the box for storage!
I used old ladders as bookshelves. Had to think outside the box for storage!
Describing a creative solution to a space problem.
Wow, putting the fire out with gasoline? You're really thinking outside the box there, Dave.
Wow, putting the fire out with gasoline? You're really thinking outside the box there, Dave.
Using the phrase ironically to point out a terrible idea.
Don't just follow the textbook; try to think outside the box on this essay.
Don't just follow the textbook; try to think outside the box on this essay.
Encouraging original thought rather than just memorization.
I pride myself on my ability to think outside the box when facing budget cuts.
I pride myself on my ability to think outside the box when facing budget cuts.
Highlighting problem-solving skills as a professional strength.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to encourage a creative solution.
The standard methods aren't working, so we need to ___.
This is the standard idiom used to suggest finding a non-traditional solution.
Choose the best adjective to describe someone who thinks outside the box.
She is a very ___ thinker who always thinks outside the box.
Thinking outside the box is the definition of being unconventional or creative.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum
Used with friends for creative ideas.
Let's think outside the box for the party!
Standard use in most daily situations.
We need to think outside the box to fix this.
Common in business meetings and interviews.
The candidate demonstrates an ability to think outside the box.
Where to use 'Think Outside the Box'
Office Meeting
Solving a sales drop.
Art Class
Creating a new style.
Home Decor
Using a suitcase as a table.
Gift Giving
Finding a unique present.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThe 'box' represents traditional thinking, standard rules, and the 'normal' way of doing things. When you go 'outside' it, you are ignoring those limits.
Both are correct and mean the same thing. Think outside the box is slightly more common in American English.
It is better to use more formal terms like innovative thinking or unconventional approach in academic writing. This phrase is a bit too idiomatic for a formal paper.
Yes, it is a very common business cliché. While everyone understands it, using it too often in a meeting might make you sound like a 'corporate robot'.
Absolutely! You can use it for something as small as finding a new way to organize your socks or a creative way to cook eggs.
Generally, no. It is almost always a compliment. However, if someone is being *too* weird, a boss might say 'Let's stay inside the box for now' to ask for something simpler.
The opposite would be thinking inside the box or following the status quo. It means doing things exactly as they have always been done.
British people use this phrase too, but they might also use lateral thinking, which was coined by Edward de Bono.
Yes! This is a very common way to describe a person's personality or professional style.
Simply change 'think' to 'thought'. For example: 'We thought outside the box and saved the company millions.'
Expressions liées
Lateral thinking
Solving problems through an indirect and creative approach.
Push the envelope
To go beyond the normal limits of what is possible or accepted.
Blue-sky thinking
Creative ideas that are not limited by current reality or budgets.
Break the mold
To do something in a completely new and original way.
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