The phrase “PUSHING THE ENVELOPE” originated in the late 1940’s during the US Air Force test pilot program. The “envelope” refers to the performance envelope of an aircraft’s performance capabilities. Pushing the envelope meant flying an airplane at, or in excess of it’s intended limits.
Not to be confused with a PAPER PUSHER- a term of endearment for our colleagues at On Paper, a far less dangerous job despite the occasional severe paper cuts!
"I received a courteous and prompt response to my email. It showed that the customer relations person had actually read my concern and responded to it. No hitting a pre-programmed, pat-your-hand button that was inappropriate. These are real folks and they READ! Shipment was received sooner than I anticipated, well-packed, and as advertised! Hooray!"
