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

to make additional effort beyond what is necessary

to perform better than what was anticipated

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

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

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

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

to move or act

root

above

higher than

root

and

in addition to

root

beyond

further than

root

English Dictionary