think outside the box

: to form or have in the mind

: to have as an intention

: to have as an opinion

: an act of thinking

: relating to, requiring, or stimulating thinking

: a place or region beyond an enclosure or boundary: such as

: the world beyond the confines of an institution (such as a prison)

: the world beyond the territory or state of Alaska

: of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side or surface

: of, relating to, or being on or toward the outer side of a curve or turn

: of, relating to, or being on or near the outside

: on or to the outside

: outdoors

used as a function word to indicate movement to or position on the outer side of

: beyond the limits of

: except

: an evergreen shrub or small tree (genus Buxus of the family Buxaceae, the box family) with opposite entire leaves and capsular fruits

: a rigid typically rectangular container with or without a cover : such as

: an open cargo container of a vehicle

: coffin

: to enclose in or as if in a box

: to hem in (someone, such as an opponent)

: a punch or slap especially on the ear

: to hit (something, especially someone's ears) with the hand

: to engage in boxing with

: to fight with the fists : engage in boxing

: to name the 32 points of (the compass) in their order