Meaning & use
going above and beyond
Last updated
UK/ˌɡəʊɪŋ əˈbʌv ənd bɪˈjɒnd/
US/ˌɡoʊɪŋ əˈbʌv ənd bɪˈjɑːnd/
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Doing more than what is required or expected, often in a helpful or impressive way.
Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; often follows 'is' or 'was' to describe someone's action.
Patterns
- going above and beyond for someone
- going above and beyond to do something
- going above and beyond the call of duty
She is always going above and beyond for her customers, even staying late to help.
The team went above and beyond to make sure the event was a success.
He went above and beyond the call of duty by volunteering on his day off.
Common combinations
- go above and beyond for someone
- The nurse went above and beyond for her patients.
- go above and beyond to help
- He went above and beyond to help his colleague finish the project.
- go above and beyond the call of duty
- The soldier went above and beyond the call of duty.
- consistently go above and beyond
- She consistently goes above and beyond in her work.
Synonyms and how they differ
- exceed expectations
- More formal; focuses on surpassing what was expected, not necessarily extra effort.
- go the extra mile
- Similar but emphasizes making a special effort, often for someone's benefit.
Opposites
do the bare minimum
Practice
Which sentence uses 'going above and beyond' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Going above and beyond for someone' is the correct pattern. The other prepositions do not fit this fixed phrase.
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