um die Ecke denken

Meaning: To think creatively or unconventionally, to solve problems by approaching them from unexpected angles.

Language: German

Literally: to think around the corner

Category: The Absurd

Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase pictures mental movement around an obstacle rather than straight-ahead thinking.

More idioms — The Absurd

was das Zeug hält — with maximum intensity or speed; to the absolute limit of one's capacity.
die Faxen dicke haben — To be fed up; to have had enough of someone's nonsense or misbehavior.
eine Schraube locker haben — To be slightly eccentric or mentally unbalanced.
gehüpft wie gesprungen — It makes no difference; the distinction between two things is negligible.
vom Hundertsten ins Tausendste kommen — To jump chaotically from one topic or thought to another without finishing any of them.
arrampicarsi sugli specchi — to attempt to defend an indefensible position or grasp at straws.

auf keinen grünen Zweig kommen — To fail to achieve success or prosperity, to make no progress in life or a project.
grün vor Neid — Consumed with jealousy or envious feeling.
Hinz und Kunz — Any ordinary person; everyone; the man in the street; used to refer to people indiscrimin…
keine halben Sachen machen — To commit fully to something; to be thorough and complete rather than halfhearted or comp…
die Zelte abbrechen — to move away or leave a place; to abandon one's position.
bei der Stange halten — to keep someone obedient, loyal, or in line through discipline or pressure.

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