pushing the envelope

USAGE SUMMARY

"pushing the envelope" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is taking risks or going beyond accepted boundaries of behavior or expectations, either in a positive or negative way. For example, you can say "I admire the way she is always pushing the envelope and trying to find new solutions to old problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She kept pushing the envelope.

The New Yorker

By pushing the envelope".

The Guardian

And the D.E.A. was pushing the envelope".

The New Yorker

A. By pushing the envelope of trust.

The New York Times

That's what "pushing the envelope" means.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And they are really pushing the envelope".

The New York Times

"Are they pushing the envelope?" he asked.

The New York Times

"We are pushing the envelope.

The New York Times

That means pushing the envelope on genetics.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He mentions "pushing the envelope" a lot.

The Guardian - Music

"This is pushing the envelope," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pushing the envelope" when you want to convey that someone is testing limits or innovating, but be mindful of the context. It can imply either positive progress or reckless behavior.

Common error

While "pushing the envelope" is a common idiom, overuse can make your writing sound unoriginal. Consider using a more specific alternative like "innovating", "challenging norms", or "breaking new ground" /s/breaking+new+ground to add nuance and freshness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing the envelope" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and widespread usage, signifying actions that test or exceed accepted boundaries. It serves as a figurative way to describe innovative or daring approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pushing the envelope" is a frequently used idiom that describes the act of exceeding established limits or norms, often in pursuit of innovation or progress. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and prevalence across diverse contexts. While generally neutral in register, its application can carry either positive or negative connotations depending on the situation. To enhance writing, consider alternatives such as "challenging the status quo" or "breaking new ground" to avoid overusing this common phrase. Remember to assess the context to ensure the term aligns with the intended message, whether it signifies innovative progress or reckless disregard for boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging the status quo

Implies a more direct confrontation with existing norms and conventions.

breaking new ground

Suggests pioneering efforts and achieving something that has not been done before.

testing the limits

Emphasizes exploring the boundaries of what is possible or acceptable.

raising the bar

Focuses on setting higher standards and expectations.

defying convention

Highlights the act of going against what is traditionally accepted or expected.

stretching boundaries

Similar to "testing the limits" but can also imply ethical or moral boundaries.

thinking outside the box

Indicates a creative approach that disregards conventional thinking.

innovating

A more concise term focusing solely on the introduction of new ideas or methods.

going the extra mile

Suggests exceeding what is expected in terms of effort or performance, slightly different nuance.

taking a risk

Focuses on the element of uncertainty and potential negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "pushing the envelope" in a sentence?

You can use "pushing the envelope" to describe someone who is testing the limits of what is considered acceptable or possible. For example: "The artist was known for "pushing the envelope" with their controversial performances."

What is a similar phrase to "pushing the envelope"?

Similar phrases include "challenging the status quo", "breaking new ground", or "testing the limits". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the specific context.

Is "pushing the envelope" a positive or negative thing?

It can be either, depending on the context. It can describe innovation and progress, or it can suggest recklessness and disregard for boundaries. Consider whether it is a praise or a criticism.

What does it mean to "push the envelope" in a business context?

In business, "pushing the envelope" often refers to taking innovative approaches, sometimes involving risks, to gain a competitive advantage. This might involve "defying convention" or "thinking outside the box" to create new products or services.