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

He wishes it weren’t: If each parent has a lane, he says, you’re more likely to appreciate when your partner goes above and beyond.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 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

Mortgage interest will only be partially deductible on a jumbo mortgage, but you would pay long-term capital gains on that investment growth above and beyond the exemption levels.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

And for the rest of the year, whenever we passed in the hall, Don Luis sought the distance directly above and beyond me, as if I had become invisible as dust.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago