Trivia
HardThe Phrase “Pushing The Envelope” Originated With?

Answer: Aviation
Although the phrase “pushing the envelope” might sound bureaucratic in nature, its origins actually date back to U.S. military flight programs in World War II.
In aviation, there is a concept known as the “flight envelope” that is both a mathematical construct that can be carefully charted out (as seen in the diagram here) and a physical reality that pilots wrangle with during every flight.
To “push the envelope” is to push an aircraft beyond its calculated flight capabilities, to attempt new maneuvers, and otherwise see how far a plane can be pushed beyond the calculated safe-zone of operation.
The phrase (and related phrases) didn’t stray very far outside of the military and civilian aviation programs until author Tom Wolfe used the phrase “pushing the outside of the envelope” in his 1979 book on the U.S. space program, The Right Stuff. By the next year, “pushing the envelope” was appearing in print and within a few years the phrase was firmly enmeshed in American English.
Trivia
HardThe First U.S. National Monument Was?
Trivia
EasyWhich Famous Scientist’s Family Has Won The Most Nobel Prizes?
Trivia
HardThe Country With The Highest Per Capita Alcohol Consumption Is?
Trivia
EasyThe Only Birds That Can Fly Backwards Are?
Trivia
EasyWhich Insects Are Used In Emergency Medicine?
Trivia
EasyIn Britain, Tradition States That Women Can Only Propose Marriage During?
Trivia
Very HardBehind Bees, The Most Prolific Pollinators Are?
Trivia
EasyWhich Country Is The Largest Beef Exporter?
Trivia
Very HardThe Slang Term “Ameritrash” Is Commonly Used In Which Of These Hobbies?
Trivia
HardWhich Cartoon Character Was Recolored At The Urging Of Cartoon Censors?