push the envelope

Quote

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Definition

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do something new and different; do something better

2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.

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At the 2000 Grammys, Jennifer Lopez showed up in a stunning green dress whose deep V-neck went all the way down to her bellybutton. Ever since then, she has been known as a style icon who likes to push the envelope when it comes to fashion. She takes risks with her style and likes clothes that have a sexy edge.

But wait, what do envelopes have to do with style? Usually, an envelope is a container that you send letters in. But when you say someone pushes the envelope, you mean she pushes boundaries in some way. She moves beyond our expectations and challenges our commonly accepted ideas.

The expression push the envelope comes from airplane pilots. All planes have certain limitations of speed, how high they can fly, and how quickly they can change direction. These limits are known as the plane’s performance envelope. The plane’s abilities are contained within the envelope, like a letter.

Pilots who push the envelope take planes up to or even beyond their known limits, in order to find out exactly how well the planes can truly perform. In the same way, J. Lo pushes the envelope with her style, challenging the public’s ideas about how high a pair of heels can be or how low a neckline can plunge.

Do you like to push the envelope in any way, or are you more conservative?

Examples

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“Eminem is probably going to push the envelope with his new album.”

“My brother is always trying to push the envelope with my parents, but sometimes he goes too far. “

“Each year, Apple releases new products that push the envelope.”