PhrasesHub

pushing the envelope

    Definitions

      • to exceed the limits of what is possible or acceptable
        To go beyond the usual boundaries or rules, often in a daring or innovative way

      • to increase the level of risk or danger
        To take actions that could lead to potential negative consequences or danger

    Examples of pushing the envelope

    • In order to stay ahead of the competition, our marketing team is constantly pushing the envelope with innovative ideas and cutting-edge strategies.

      This idiom means going beyond the limits or boundaries of what is considered normal or expected. It is often used in a business or competitive context to describe individuals or companies that are always striving for improvement and pushing themselves to achieve greater success. In the example provided, the marketing team is using their creativity and Resourcefulness to develop new and exciting marketing approaches that go beyond what is typical or expected. They are not content to simply follow conventional marketing practices, but instead are constantly seeking out new and better ways to promote their products or services. By pushing the envelope, they are setting higher standards for themselves and for the industry as a whole.

    • Our scientist has pushed the envelope in her research by experimenting with new and unconventional methods, resulting in groundbreaking discoveries.

      This example shows how the idiom can be applied in a scientific context. The scientist in question is not satisfied with simply replicating the results of previous studies or following established scientific methods. Instead, she is constantly looking for new and innovative approaches to her research, even if they are not initially accepted by the scientific community. By pushing the envelope, she is able to make important breakthroughs that would not have been possible with more traditional methods.

    • As an athlete, I am always pushing the envelope of my own limitations, striving to run faster, jump higher, and push myself further than I ever thought possible.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be applied in a personal or individual context. By pushing the envelope, the athlete is not only improving their own performance but is also pushing the boundaries of what is thought to be possible in their sport. This can be a challenging and rewarding experience, as it requires a great deal of mental and physical strength, as well as a willingness to take risks and accept failure as a necessary part of the process.

    • In our organization, we encourage our employees to push the envelope by fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking.

      This example shows how the idiom can be applied to an entire organization or company. By promoting a culture that encourages innovation and creativity, the company is able to push the envelope and stay ahead of its competitors. This may involve taking risks, experimenting with new ideas, and being willing to fail in order to succeed. By fostering a culture in which employees feel empowered to push the envelope, the company is able to attract and retain top talent, as well as create new products, services, and market opportunities.

    • The company's research department is constantly pushing the envelope in their quest to find new and innovative products for the market.

      This idiom represents taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory. In this context, it means that the company's research team is going beyond the normal boundaries of what is known and tested in their industry, in order to discover new and groundbreaking products. By pushing the envelope, the company is breaking through limitations and discovering new possibilities.

    • In order to stand out from the crowd, the musician decided to push the envelope by incorporating experimental soundscapes into her latest album.

      "Pushing the envelope" in this example refers to challenging conventional musical styles and techniques. By pushing the envelope, the musician is taking risks and exploring new sonic dimensions, adding a unique and exciting edge to her music. This helps her music stand out and provides a fresh and innovative listening experience for her audience.

    • The athlete's relentless training regimen has pushed the envelope of what is possible for his sport.

      This idiom is used to describe a person who is setting new records, breaking barriers, and pushing the boundaries of a particular athletic discipline. By pushing the envelope, the athlete is exceeding the limits of what is considered feasible, demonstrating exceptional skill, endurance, and determination.

    • The chef's unconventional approach to cooking has pushed the envelope, challenging traditional culinary techniques and creating a new and exciting dining experience.

      This idiom represents an individual who is taking creative liberties, by breaking traditional culinary norms, and experimenting with new flavours, textures, and presentation styles. By pushing the envelope, the chef is making his dishes stand out, and elevating the dining experience to a new level for his customers.


    Conclusion

    The idiomatic expression "pushing the envelope" can be used to describe someone or something that is breaking new ground, taking risks, or going beyond the usual limits. It can be used in a positive sense to describe innovation and daring, or in a negative sense to warn against the potential negative consequences of certain actions.

    In everyday conversations, people might use this idiom to talk about someone who is pushing the envelope in terms of creativity or technology, or to caution against taking risks that could lead to negative outcomes.

    Origin of "pushing the envelope"

    The origin of the phrase "pushing the envelope" can be traced back to aviation terminology. The "envelope" in this context refers to the limits of safe flight as defined by factors such as speed, altitude, and maneuverability. "Pushing the envelope" originally referred to testing the limits of an aircraft's performance, often in dangerous or daring ways.

    Over time, the expression has been adopted into general usage to describe pushing the boundaries or limits in any context, not just in aviation. It has become a popular idiom to describe pushing the limits of what is possible or acceptable, whether it's in terms of creativity, risk-taking, or innovation.