push the envelope
Exceed accepted limits
To push the envelope is to test limits or go beyond established boundaries, especially in pursuit of innovation or achievement.
The phrase comes from aviation, where the "envelope" describes the set of performance limits within which an aircraft can safely operate.
Test pilots push the envelope to discover what new aircraft can do.
Now used broadly for anyone challenging conventional constraints: The designer pushes the envelope with unconventional materials.
- forge aheadProceed with determination
- go beyondExceed a limit
- break new groundDo something never done
- innovateIntroduce novel methods
- cutting edgeMost advanced currently available
sail close to the wind · take risks · stretch · breakthrough · game changer · experimentation · think outside the box · maverick · brinkmanship · raise the bar · pioneer · transcend · exceed · visionary · boldness · daring · go the extra mile · iconoclasm
- clichescliche, platitude, bromide, tired phrase, worn phrase
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- Work JargonASAP, FYI, EOD, synergy, deliverable
- going too faroverdo, overstepping, crossing the line, overstep, cross the line
- making troublemake waves, stir the pot, raise Cain, kick up a fuss, upset the apple cart
- office jargonsynergy, circle back, touch base, deep dive, action item
push the envelopeplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
err on the side of caution · hedge one's bets · tread carefully · proceed with caution · keep one's head down
push the envelopetoe the line
Adhere to standards
follow the rules · color inside the lines · conform · stay in one's lane · fall in line
push the envelopesettle for less
rest on one's laurels · coast · phone it in · hold back · go through the motions
push, shove, envelope, pushed, pushing, pushes, pusher, envelopes, pushers