push the envelope

Idioms  

1. Exceed the limits of what is normally done, be innovative, as in They are pushing the envelope in using only new fabrics for winter clothing. This idiom comes from aviation, the envelope alluding to the technical limits of a plane's performance, which, on a graph, appear as a rising slope as limits of speed and stress are approached and falls off when the capacity is exceeded and the pilot loses control; safety lies within these limits, or envelope, and exceeding them exposes pilot and plane to risk. [Slang; late 1960s]

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Example Sentences

According to Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith, with the exception of the Independent Counsel Act and the War Powers Resolution — legislation from 1973 that required congressional authorization for military intervention — those reforms held up quite well, even as various presidents attempted to push the envelope.

From Salon

"We wanted to really push the envelope on how we can provide an even greater spotlight for the players, these magnificent athletes, on the court, that effectively becomes their stage," Tiley added.

From BBC

Bold and daring looks often push the envelope.

From Los Angeles Times

Theme-park operators face constant pressure to push the envelope with new and exciting attractions.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Across the whole portfolio we are going to be ensuring that we have options that push the envelope a little more, deliver texture, deliver flavor, in a way that’s new and unique,” Taffet said.

From The Wall Street Journal