Above and beyond
adv, prep
adv, prep ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Adverb
- 1 Doing more than is expected or required. idiomatic, not-comparable
"Boy, they sure went above and beyond when they were planning this party!"
Preposition
- 1 Further than; doing more than is expected or required. idiomatic
"The hospital staff often go above and beyond what is required of them."
Example
More examples"The hospital staff often go above and beyond what is required of them."
Etymology
Shortened from the phrase above and beyond the call of duty, referring to heroic behavior during a military operation (“conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”), traditionally used in citations of awards of a U.S. Medal of Honor.