think outside the box
phrase
: to explore ideas that are creative and unusual and that are not limited or controlled by rules or tradition
To solve this puzzle, you'll have to think outside the box.
Cite this Entry
“Think outside the box.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/think%20outside%20the%20box. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
