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Glite Dictionary
to step out of your box

to step out of your box

7.3
Think in a new way instead of your usual way
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : salir de tu zona de confort
  • The company encouraged employees to step out of your box during brainstorming sessions.

Examples

  • Sometimes, it takes courage to step out of your box and suggest something unusual.

  • You should step out of your box to find new solutions!

  • If we want to solve this issue, we should step out of your box and consider new strategies.

  • Don't be afraid to step out of your box.

  • If we want to solve this issue, we should step out of your box and consider new strategies.

  • Sometimes, it takes courage to step out of your box and suggest something unusual.

  • The company encouraged employees to step out of your box during brainstorming sessions.

Synonyms

to push the envelope
vsto step out of your box
33 7.3

To try new ideas that go beyond accepted limits

focuses on new viewpoints and creative thinking rather than extending limits
to break the mold
vsto step out of your box
8 5.3

To do something in a new way instead of the usual way

is about thinking differently and finding new perspectives rather than replacing tradition

Antonyms

to conform
96 3.2

Think and act like other people or follow rules

inside the box
1 6.3

In a usual, not creative way that avoids new ideas

How Creative

to innovate
39 5.5
to step out of your box
  • Informal
7.3

Surface Forms

step out of your box infinitive
stepped out of your box past
stepped out of your box past participle
stepping out of your box present participle
steps out of your box third person singular

Morphology

step + out + of + your + box

The phrase literal constituents ('step' + 'out of' + 'your' + 'box') clearly evoke leaving an enclosed space, which maps onto the intended idea of leaving mental constraints; however the mapping is metaphorical (box = mental limits) and relies on recognizing that figurative use. A B1 learner who knows the words can often infer a general sense (leave your usual limits) but may not recover the full conventional meaning ‘think creatively’ without prior exposure, so the expression is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Step out of your box paints a picture of someone standing inside a small box and then stepping out into open space. So it means 'to think in a new or unusual way' and try ideas outside your usual habits.