Box Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Here’s a simple introduction for a blog post about box idioms: Idioms are like secret codes or puzzles in language that describe something in a fun and imaginative way. “Box idioms” are phrases that use the word “box” to describe different situations. Even kids can understand these because they are used in everyday conversations. Now, let’s learn some together!

Box Idioms

Here are 20 box idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.

1. Out of the box

Meaning: Creative or unconventional
Example: He always thinks out of the box.

2. In the box

Meaning: Conforming to expectations
Example: Her ideas are always in the box.

3. Box clever

Meaning: Be smart in a tricky situation
Example: He boxed clever during negotiations.

4. Tick all the boxes

Meaning: Meet all the requirements
Example: Her plan ticks all the boxes.

5. Open Pandora’s box

Meaning: Cause many new problems
Example: It opened Pandora’s box of issues.

6. Think outside the box

Meaning: Think differently
Example: We need to think outside the box.

7. Boxed in

Meaning: Feeling trapped
Example: She felt boxed in at work.

8. Black box

Meaning: Complex device, known by output only
Example: Trading algorithms are a black box.

9. The penalty box

Meaning: A place for temporary punishment
Example: He’s in the penalty box now.

10. Box-office hit

Meaning: A very successful movie
Example: That film was a box-office hit.

11. A box seat

Meaning: A seat with a good view
Example: They had box seats at the concert.

12. Box up

Meaning: Pack things into boxes
Example: We boxed up all her books.

13. Box someone’s ears

Meaning: Scold or reprimand harshly
Example: Grandma might box your ears!

14. Box and dice

Meaning: Everything included
Example: You get the full box and dice.

15. To box below one’s weight

Meaning: Compete against someone weaker
Example: He’s boxing below his weight.

16. Box the compass

Meaning: Know one’s directions well
Example: He can box the compass easily.

17. Ballot box

Meaning: Box used for voting
Example: Put your vote in the ballot box.

18. Gift box

Meaning: A box containing a gift
Example: She received a beautiful gift box.

19. Music box

Meaning: A device that plays music
Example: The music box played a lovely tune.

20. Suggestion box

Meaning: A box for collecting suggestions
Example: Drop your ideas in the suggestion box.

box Idioms