Meaning of Idiom ‘Above and Beyond’
1. More than is required or expected. When “above and beyond” is used in this sense, it is often followed by “the call of duty” meaning “above and beyond what duty requires.” 1 Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
The expression “above and beyond the call of duty” is actually a combination of “above and beyond” and the related expression “beyond the call of duty.”
2. In addition to something; more than. 2 Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010. 3Manser, M. H., and I. McCaig. A Learner’s Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford University Press, 1986.
Similar Idioms:
Someone who goes above and beyond will go the extra mile.
Compare to over and above.
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Sentence Examples
“The president gave my grandfather a medal for going above and beyond the call of duty.”
“The company is very serious about protecting the environment and goes above and beyond what environmental regulations require.”
“She wanted to get a good education, above and beyond that, she wanted to be able to help other people.”
“Russell, for assisting the elderly and for performing above and beyond the call of duty, I would like to award you the highest honor I can bestow. The Ellie badge.” — Up (2009)
“I want to thank you for picking up that wine. That’s above and beyond. I appreciate it so much. Thank you.” — What Women Want (2000)
“I’d like to take a moment to give a special thank-you to a girl who’s really gone above and beyond. The girl who not only hosted my shower and helped me design the invitation…” — 27 Dresses (2008)
“Our entire relationship I’ve gone above and beyond for you, for us.” — The Break-Up (2006)
“So, in your previous experience, can you give me an instance in which you went above and beyond the call of duty for a customer?” — Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
“Each man is devoting long hours of training and doing many things above and beyond the call of duty such as morale tours of factories…” — The Right Stuff (1984)
“A little extra effort could earn you a star. It really could. So grab a broom, help a lost customer, pick up a spill. Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond.” — Employee of the Month (2006)
Origin
In use since the 1500’s. The related expression, beyond the call of duty (often shorted to beyond the call), has been in use only since the 1800’s. 4Bengelsdorf, Peter. Idioms in the News – 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples. N.p.: Amz Digital Services, 2012.
More Idioms Starting with A
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