Above and beyond
/əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɑnd/
B2
Definition
The phrase "above and beyond" describes actions or efforts that go further than the normal or usual limits. It means doing more than what someone expects, often to help, improve, or succeed.
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⚡ See It in Action
Doing more than expected or required
- •She went above and beyond to help her friend move to a new house.
- •The employee’s work was above and beyond what the manager asked for.
- •Volunteers who go above and beyond make a big difference in their communities.
Exceeding normal limits or standards
- •The company’s customer service is above and beyond what most people experience.
- •His performance was above and beyond the usual level for that sport.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "above and beyond" like "more," but much more than usual—like going extra steps after finishing a task
- ✓Picture a person climbing a mountain and then flying over it to reach a higher place
- ✓It's the feeling when someone helps you not just a little, but a lot more than you thought they would
- ✓Sounds like "a-BUHV and bee-YOND" → imagine a balloon going above the clouds and beyond the sky, far past what you can see
- ✓Think of superheroes who don’t just save the day but do extra good deeds beyond their duty
- ✓NOT like "help" (which can be small or normal), "above and beyond" means extra, more than expected
- ✓NOT like "try" (which can be normal effort), this phrase means you put in a very big effort beyond what is needed
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Exceed expectations: doing more than what people think you will do (Use when focusing on meeting or passing what is expected)
- •Go the extra mile: to try harder or do more than necessary (Use when talking about effort or work done beyond the usual)
- •Overdeliver: to provide more than promised or required (Use in business or service contexts)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Phrase parts: "above" (higher than) + "and" (connects) + "beyond" (further than)
- •Etymology: "above" and "beyond" are Old English words meaning higher and farther; combined to express going further than a limit
- •Historical development: The phrase has been used in English for many years to describe effort or achievement that surpasses normal expectations
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in everyday speech, business, and writing to praise extra effort or exceptional performance
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you did something above and beyond what was expected? How did it feel?
•Why do you think people appreciate when others go above and beyond? How does it affect relationships or work?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She went above and beyond ___ what her boss asked to finish the project early.
2.When someone goes above and beyond, they usually show ___ effort and care.
3.The phrase "above and beyond" means doing more than just ___ the basic task.
4.To go above and beyond, you might have to ___ extra time or energy.
5.Customer service that is above and beyond often makes people feel ___.
6.The athlete’s performance was above and beyond ___ usual standards.
7.When you hear "above and beyond," think about someone who does ___ what is expected.