What does “Above and beyond” mean?
"Above and beyond" means going beyond what is expected or required.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The team went above and beyond to meet the deadline.
Example
Her dedication to her work is above and beyond.
Example
He always goes above and beyond to help others
Is “Above and beyond” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Above and beyond” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Above and beyond” effectively in context?
You can use "Above and Beyond" to describe someone or something that goes beyond what is expected or required. It emphasizes exceptional effort, dedication, or performance. For example, if a team puts in extra hours and effort to meet a deadline, you might say, 'The team went "above and beyond" to meet the deadline.'
- 1Work
Her dedication to her work is above and beyond. She always goes the extra mile to ensure the best results.
- 2Helping Others
He always goes above and beyond to help others. Whether it's volunteering or lending a hand, he never hesitates to go the extra mile.
- 3Achieving Goals
To achieve her dreams, she knew she had to go above and beyond. She worked tirelessly and made sacrifices to reach her goals.
Similar phrases to “Above and beyond”:
Exceed expectations
To surpass what is anticipated or required
Example
Their performance exceeded expectations, earning them a promotion.
To perform better than others or achieve superior results
Example
The team outperformed all competitors and won the championship.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Above and beyond” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Above and Beyond" is unknown.
Is “Above and beyond” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Above and Beyond" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to praise someone's exceptional effort or to describe going the extra mile in various situations.
What tone does “Above and beyond” have?
"Above and Beyond" conveys a tone of admiration and appreciation. It's used to recognize and commend someone's outstanding dedication, performance, or willingness to help others.
Can “Above and beyond” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Above and Beyond" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that highlights exceptional effort or performance. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She always goes above and beyond to help others.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He went "above and beyond"!' to express admiration for someone's exceptional effort.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- exceptional
- outstanding
- remarkable
- extraordinary
- over and above
- beyond the call of duty
