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push the envelope

push the envelope

Date: Jun 09 2016

Themes: Celebrity

Quote

1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.

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“The material’s not really what you expect from Jane Austen. It’s extremely edgy and sort of envelope-pushing and very, very funny.”

Actress Kate Beckinsale, speaking about her new film, “Love and Friendship” (npr.org)

Definition

1. Definition - Study the definition.

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do something new and different; do something better

2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.

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Do you like to do things the old-fashioned way, or do you prefer to try something new? For example, maybe, you are going to a formal dinner party. Will you play it safe with a nice black suit or dress, or will you push the envelope with something new and exciting? Maybe, a purple hat, some orange shoes, or a bright green belt could add excitement and color to your ensemble!

To push the envelope means to do something differently from how it is traditionally done. A song that pushes the envelope might have controversial lyrics, like Beyonce’s “Formation.” An artist who pushes the envelope might direct strange, artistic movies, like Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Some people love for art, music, and tech to be new and surprising. However, others prefer for things to be done the old-fashioned way. Actress Kate Beckinsale was surprised that her new film, “Love and Friendship,” had a funny, edgy script. It is based on a story that was written over 100 years ago, so she did not expect it to push the envelope!

Do you like movies that push the envelope?

Examples

1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.

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“Eminem is probably going to push the envelope with his new album.”

“My brother is always trying to push the envelope with my parents, but sometimes he goes too far. “

“Each year, Apple releases new products that push the envelope.”

Winners

1. Winners - See who guessed the slang definition correctly.

xenia_f new, modern
by xenia_f
julito1 go beyond commonly accepted criteria
by julito1
a2020 New.
by a2020
Irinasai Approach or extend the limits of what is possible.
by Irinasai

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Comments

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Marban1952

United Kingdom

nice

08:18 AM Jun 15 2016 |

jolefrancaisSuper Member!

France

I always try to push the envelope in doing something in a different way. If you wanna be efficient sometimes you have to innovate and find a new way to think.

07:16 PM Jun 09 2016 |

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