above and beyond

Idioms  

1. More than is required. This somewhat redundant expression— above and beyond here both denote excess—often precedes the call of duty, which means exceeding what a particular job requires. Thus Putting in overtime without pay is above and beyond the call of duty. Also see over and above.

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Example Sentences

Annie’s attorneys and all those who spoke out on her behalf went above and beyond in their dedication to her case.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

"Followers will still feel, as a matter of conscience, that they still need to abstain because of the pressure to go above and beyond in showing their loyalty to the organisation," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

“With that, we want to make sure that we are going above and beyond on what these markets should be.”

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

“It’s a whole system above and beyond what we normally do, which is to teach children. Now we’re doing this as well.”

From Salon • Mar. 2, 2026

And yet, in these last days, he’d become friends with people who cared about him, quite above and beyond what was expected of him.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart