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

“I think that they’re trying to push the envelope to see. Is the U.S. going to really go the whole measure here,” said Bryan Clark, a former senior official with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

"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 • Feb. 3, 2026

Bold and daring looks often push the envelope.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

Global investors, however, continue to push the envelope on risk.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

In the darkness he did not notice the new rents, and tried to push the envelope further under the lining, and in doing so pushed one corner of it through the plush.

From The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories by Tucker, Benjamin R.