1. push the envelope - Verb
2. push the envelope - Phrase
push the envelope (third-person singular simple present pushes the envelope, present participle pushing the envelope, simple past and past participle pushed the envelope)
(intransitive, idiomatic, originally aeronautics) To go beyond established limits; to pioneer. [from mid 20th c.]
Synonyms: push the edge of the envelope, stretch the envelope
They pushed the envelope on pricing derivatives.
Im always trying to push the envelope and go with a different hairstyle that youre not going to see on anybody else. I have a really good grade of hair, and I can do a lot of different things with it. David Otunga
My style during the day is very casual - boyfriend jeans, T-shirts, Converse, Uggs, whatever. At night, I love heels and thigh-highs, I like something fresh and new, and I'm not afraid to push the envelope. Katie Cassidy
We're starting to push the envelope in terms of the expectations, and you can also have your own style, personality and sense of humor, because now we're allowed to. Lisa Guerrero
The idea that I could push the envelope using dedication and research and endless curiosity has propelled me in my life's work. Randy Schekman
The cable makers are the ones who are willing to take risks and do something original and push the envelope some. George R. R. Martin
People who know me know I have a sense of humor that can really push the envelope. Carmen Electra