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Region: UK | Usage example: We started with some blue-sky thinking before settling on a plan.

Blue-sky thinking

Meaning

Creative or optimistic brainstorming without constraints.

Usage

Used in innovation sessions.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Possibly from the altostratus blue sky representing limitless possibilities.

Used in management consulting in the late 20th century.

Related Idioms

Go the whole hog

Do something completely without holding back.

All mouth and no trousers

Talking tough without taking action.

Fight tooth and nail

Struggle vigorously and aggressively to achieve something.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.