pushing boundaries
3
6.0
- noun
- Informal
:
romper límites
- But scientists and engineers are still pushing boundaries, breaking new ground, and making cool stuff happen in computing.
- keep pushing boundaries
Examples
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Innovative artists are constantly pushing boundaries to create fresh and exciting works.
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It is the spirit of giftedness, the insatiable need to push boundaries and step beyond the status quo, the current and accepted.
Academic text (2005) -
I mean, we push boundaries in this business in terms of getting to know people.
Blog text (26) -
When it comes to art and story, we as humans push boundaries.
Blog text (6) -
Many tie the issue to free expression or the fact that pushing boundaries helps push our culture forward.
Blog text (10) -
Yes, but that's what art does: push boundaries.
Blog text (24) -
Of course, some YA is getting edgier and pushing boundaries.
Blog text (10) -
We'll be pushing boundaries and getting into some situations that haven't been seen on television before.
Blog text (11) -
In general, these artists aim to introduce international audiences to a more subtle music from Latin America while pushing boundaries and expectations.
Academic text (2014) -
The young winemakers of Paso Robles, a few still under 30, are keen to push boundaries and experiment, and here in Paso, four hours south of Napa, they can.
Blog text (6)
Synonyms
1
7.5
Doing things in a new or unusual way
Antonyms
How Radical
- Informal
3
6.0
- Informal
82
4.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is a direct, metaphorical extension of 'push' (apply force/move) and 'boundary' (limit): together they convey moving or extending limits. This is a regular, cross‑linguistic conceptual metaphor (limits as physical barriers) and is readily inferable by a B1 learner who knows both constituents.
Etymology
The phrase pushing boundaries shows someone pushing a fence or line that marks the boundaries of a space. So it means trying to move or 'challenge' limits to find new ways or ideas.