"Pushing the envelope" and other nonsensical phrases

So we all use "pushing the envelope" once in a while. But how did a phrase like that come to be? Why not pull it? Why an envelope? Why should an envelope be a challenge? Paper cuts?

So contribute your knowledge of this phrase's origins if you can, or add to this topic by quoting another phrase that makes no sense.

When an aircraft is designed, the engineers measure its performance and the power of the engine. The performance would be plotted on a curve that formed a 2-dimensional shape on paper. For example, at higher altitudes, the power dropped off. The engine performed best within the values of the plot that fit inside that shape. This plot defined the envelope of performance of that engine.

If the Test Pilot wanted to see what his airplane could do, he would try to make his airplane perform outside of that envelope----thereby 'pushing the envelope'.



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How about....
"She is trying to get your goat." Anyone know the meaning or origin behind it?

As far as I know, 'pushing the envelope' refers to putting a bid or proposal into an envelope at a negotiation and pushing it across the table to the other party for their consideration. I could be wrong about that.

(Well, I can't find anything on the Internet concerning what I thought it meant. Looks like it did originate in the Aerospace industry.)

Origin: Farmers pissed off with gypsies on their land

Hahaha, like it

It's hardly nonsensical as it does make sense, but it's always bloody annoyed me:

"venture outside of the box"
More often than not there is NO box!

Yeah, but that's good advice for us TFS addicts.
8)

I've never even heard of it!

Not a saying or phrase but a word. It's a word I hear like, every sentence when, like, talking to some like, snotwad kid. It like, drives me up a wall, like.

Well the word f*** comes fom the days of being locked in gallows and shackled and having your crime painted on the wood and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge acrynom is f***! So yeah what the f*** you think about that?

Really?

What about the phrase "Crazy like a fox" wonder who thought that one up.and have you ever seen a crazy fox

And what exactly is "A blond moment" supposed to mean??? See another nonsensical phrase!!! 8)

I don't know, some foxes are a bit mental..

Urban legend. As is "Fornication Under Consent of King".