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.
More German idioms
- 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.