push-the-envelope
/pʊʃ ði ˈen.və.ləʊp/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To do something in a very new, bold, or extreme way. It often means going beyond normal limits in style, technology, or performance.
- The designer likes to push the envelope.
- This film pushes the envelope for special effects.
- They pushed the envelope with a risky new idea.
Adinary Nuance
Push the envelope is stronger than innovate or improve. It suggests crossing usual limits, not just making something better. Writers use it when they want to stress boldness, risk, or experimentation.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đột phá
- Spanish
- ir más allá
- Chinese
- 突破极限
- Japanese
- 限界を押し広げる
- Korean
- 한계를 뛰어넘다
Etymology
This phrase became common in American English in the late 20th century. It likely comes from aviation and testing, where an envelope means the safe limits of performance.
Common phrases
push the envelopepush the creative envelopepush the envelope in designpush the envelope of what is possible
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is push the envelope formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in writing, business, and media.
- Is push the envelope the same as innovate?
- Not exactly. Innovate means make something new. Push the envelope means go further than usual limits.
- Can I use push the envelope in IELTS Writing?
- Yes, if you are writing about ideas, technology, or design.
- Does push the envelope always mean something positive?
- Usually yes, but it can also suggest too much risk.