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

“We have some incredible cities around Illinois that have gone above and beyond in allowing for attainable housing to be built,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

"The risk of lasting damage to Iran's infrastructure and the immiseration of the population above and beyond what they're already experiencing is significant," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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

On the flip side, buyers were still going above and beyond in four of the 50 most populous metro areas in America.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 2, 2026

“There’s been an investment in education here, above and beyond bare bones, and it paid off,” he said.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove