One expression that has become very popular in the corporate world is “think outside the box” which means “creative thinking that is not limited by conventional constraints.”
In general, the box to which the phrase refers is metaphorical and symbolizes the conventional methods of thinking that may hampercreativity. However, when the phrase originated, it referred to a specific box.
The phrase originated as a result of a puzzle published in a book by Sam Lloyd. The puzzle was constructed with three rows each containing three dots. The challenge was to connect all nine dots using one continuous line. The instructions of the puzzle added the hint that one needed to “think outside the box.”
In order to solve the puzzle, the lines had to form an arrow, some of which went outside the confines of the box. As a result, the phrase “think outside the box” was coined.
Nowadays, the expression refers to any situation in which creative thinking is required and, as was stated earlier, has become increasingly popular in the corporate world.
