not sticking to the rules
act or behave in a non-traditional way
think creatively or out of normal boundaries
not being set in your ways
not conforming to stereotypical thought processes
using your imagination
(colour, draw or paint) outside the lines
to think outside the line
I never thought they would be allowed to do their duties outside the lines.
She had chosen a line partner outside the lines.
The company has been looking for an employee who thinks outside the lines.
I need the freedom to draw outside the lines in response to new challenges.
Our new CEO really colours outside the lines and, he’s shaking up the dinosaurs at head office.
Stacey is one of those people who colours outside the lines. She’s always coming up with new ideas.
There is usually a couple of children in each class who insist on colouring outside the lines.
We knew Sid would rebel against the system. He’s more of an outside the line, kind of a guy.
The new house was ultra-modern and space age. The designer really coloured outside the lines with his plans.
There is no origin for this idiom
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definition
Common phrase that has a specific meaning.