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Thinking outside of the box

🇬🇧 UK //ˈθɪŋkɪŋ aʊtsaɪd əv ðə bɒks// 🇺🇸 US //ˈθɪŋkɪŋ aʊtsaɪd əv ðə bɑks//

Meaning of Thinking outside of the box

To think creatively and differently than usual.

In simple words: To think in a new or different way.

Thinking outside of the box in a sentence

• Our team was praised for thinking outside of the box during the project meeting.
• Thinking outside of the box can lead to innovative solutions to complex problems.
• She encouraged her students to think outside of the box for their art assignments.
• In business, thinking outside of the box often results in greater success.
• The workshop focused on techniques for thinking outside of the box in advertising.

How to use Thinking outside of the box

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Great for brainstorming and problem-solving scenarios. Avoid in very literal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone idiom

Memory hint

Imagine a person literally stepping out of a cardboard box, representing new ideas.

Related words

Collocations with Thinking outside of the box

• encourage thinking outside of the box
• promote thinking outside of the box
• methods for thinking outside of the box

Synonyms for Thinking outside of the box

• be original
• innovate
• be creative
• think creatively
• think uniquely

Common mistakes with Thinking outside of the box

• Used too literally instead of as an idiom.
• Not recognizing it as a phrase that implies creativity.
• Confusing with other similar idioms.

Frequently asked questions about Thinking outside of the box

What does Thinking outside of the box mean?

To think in a new or different way.

What is the definition of Thinking outside of the box?

To think creatively and differently than usual.

How do you use Thinking outside of the box in a sentence?

Our team was praised for thinking outside of the box during the project meeting.

Can you give another example of Thinking outside of the box?

Thinking outside of the box can lead to innovative solutions to complex problems.

What are synonyms for Thinking outside of the box?

Common alternatives include be original, innovate, be creative, think creatively, think uniquely.

What words go with Thinking outside of the box?

It commonly pairs with encourage thinking outside of the box, promote thinking outside of the box, methods for thinking outside of the box.

What are common mistakes when using Thinking outside of the box?

Used too literally instead of as an idiom. Not recognizing it as a phrase that implies creativity. Confusing with other similar idioms.

How do you pronounce Thinking outside of the box?

US: //ˈθɪŋkɪŋ aʊtsaɪd əv ðə bɑks//, UK: //ˈθɪŋkɪŋ aʊtsaɪd əv ðə bɒks//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Thinking outside of the box?

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Great for brainstorming and problem-solving scenarios. Avoid in very literal contexts.