Missouri State University

Skip to content Skip to navigation
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

International Bears

International Programs at Missouri State University

  • International Student Experiences
  • New International Students
  • English Language
  • Foreign Language
  • Study Away News
Variety of boxes
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Learn English Idioms: Think Outside the Box

March 7, 2019 by Kayla Paden

English Idioms

Sometimes phrases in English mean something different than they seem.  These types of phrases are called idioms or idiomatic expressions.  If you translate idioms like “think outside the box” literally, the meaning may be confusing.  However, if you learn what they represent or symbolize, then you will be able to use them in everyday conversations.

Think Outside the Box

To think outside the box means to think in a different way than usual.  It requires creativity and critical thinking to solve a problem or create an idea.  Even more, it demands dedication and persistence to see from a new perspective that is not bound by limitations.

So, what does thinking outside the box look like?  It looks like the toddler who builds a fort out of blankets and pillows.  It looks like the teenager who made a boat sail with a kite.  It looks like the business owner who launches an online course to reach more customers or the teacher who discovers that students interact more when working in teams.  Thinking outside the box looks like the time you choose to break away from normal.

Try it Yourself

Maybe you need to improve customer service or design an attention-grabbing poster.  Perhaps you have to market a product or organize an event.  You may even be working on a budget or trying to improve team communication.  Whatever your goal, you will be amazed at yourself when you learn to think outside the box.

 

If you enjoyed this lesson, find out how you can study English at the English Language Institute at Missouri State University!

Filed Under: English Language Institute Tagged With: English Idioms, Learn English, Special Programs

International Programs

International Programs’ mission is to facilitate international education and exchange at Missouri State University.

International Resources

  • International Student Experiences
  • New International Students
  • English Language
  • Foreign Language
  • Study Away News

Categories

Alumni Spotlight ArtWalk Athletics Campus Events Campus Life English Language Institute Fall 2018 New International Students Fall 2019 New International Students Immigration International Education Week International Friends International Leadership and Training Center International Student Experience Language Learning at Missouri State New International Students Orientation Outside the Morris Center Social Media Social Media Kit Student Spotlights Study Away Uncategorized Workshops

Tags

airport pick-up Alumni Spotlight ArtWalk Athletics bearfest village By the Numbers Campus Life cpt CSLP culture ELI Special Programs English and Leadership Immersion Program English for Musicians English Idioms English Language Institute faculty first friday football getting involved graduation Health Immigration international alumni international bears Japan keynote presentation Learn English Music new students opt Orientation partner university Programs Sister Cities Special Programs Spotlight Staff Spotlight staying in status student organizations student spotlight Taylor Health and Wellness Tough Talks tour of the globe welcome weekend Workshops

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
Make your Missouri statementMake your Missouri statement
  • Last Modified: March 7, 2019
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Disclosures
  • EO/AA/M/F/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
  • © 2013 Board of Governors, Missouri State University
  • Contact Information