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go above and beyond

/ɡoʊ əˈbʌv ənd bɪˈɒnd/
phrase★Intermediate— to do more than what is expected or required
informal

To exceed expectations by doing more than what is required or expected in a situation.

The teacher went above and beyond by staying late to help students with their homework.

The teacher did extra work to assist students after school hours.

The firefighters went above and beyond during the rescue operation.

The firefighters performed heroic actions beyond their usual duties.

💡

This phrase is often used to praise someone for their exceptional effort or dedication.

Collocations

go above and beyondto exceed expectations

Synonyms

exceed expectationsgo the extra miledo more than required

Antonyms

do the bare minimummeet expectationsdo only what is required

Related Phrases

go the extra milephrase
to make additional effort beyond what is necessary
exceed expectationsphrase
to perform better than what was anticipated

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use this phrase to compliment someone for their outstanding effort or dedication.

⚡Gold Rule

Appropriate Context

Use this phrase in situations where someone has clearly gone beyond their usual responsibilities.

📖Word Origin

The phrase likely originated in the early 20th century, emphasizing the idea of surpassing standard performance.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in professional and personal contexts to acknowledge exceptional effort.

Word Breakdown

go
to move or act
root
+
above
higher than
root
+
and
in addition to
root
+
beyond
further than
root
English Dictionary

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