Kobayashi Maru

Definition

A training exercise in the Star Trek universe designed to test cadets in a no-win scenario. Captain Kirk 'wins' by altering the original conditions of the game — seen either as cheating or creative problem-solving.

Origin

First depicted in the opening scene of the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Everyday Use

We encounter so many mundane challenges in our day-to-day, and so many are not only of our own making, but we forget that we don't have to play by the rules that that game prefers, but that we can instill our own — put the phone down, don't need to respond to that email, tell them you love them for no reason.