above and beyond
Past the minimum
Above and beyond describes effort or action that exceeds what is required or expected.
The phrase usually modifies verbs like go or act: She went above and beyond to help us move.
It suggests praiseworthy dedication—doing more than duty demands.
Often appears with the call of duty: Service above and beyond the call of duty earned him a medal.
Going beyond limits
- surpassingGoing beyond in quality
- outperformingDoing better than others
- excellingPerforming exceptionally well
- outpacingExceeding another's speed
overdelivering · overachieving · transcending · outdistancing · outshining · eclipsing · outmatching · prevailing
Notably above the norm
- outstandingExceptionally good or unpaid
- exemplaryServing as ideal model
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
- remarkableWorthy of attention
superlative · phenomenal · stellar · superior · excellent · elite · supreme · magnificent
exceeding
Going beyond limits
- surpassingGoing beyond in quality
- outperformingDoing better than others
- excellingPerforming exceptionally well
outpacing · overdelivering · overachieving · transcending · outdistancing · outshining · eclipsing · outmatching · prevailing · overcoming
exceptional
Notably above the norm
- outstandingExceptionally good or unpaid
- exemplaryServing as ideal model
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
remarkable · superlative · phenomenal · stellar · superior · excellent · elite · supreme · magnificent · splendid
- Mottoescarpe diem, be prepared, excelsior, always ready, liberty or death
- military honorsMedal of Honor, Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Cross
- military valorbravery, gallantry, heroism, valor, courage
- helpingaid, assist, give a hand, help, helping hand
- dutyjury duty, guard duty, on duty, off duty, active duty
- Hard Workgrind, hustle, toil, effort, labor
above and beyondbare minimum
Smallest acceptable quantity
phoning it in · half-hearted · going through the motions · coasting · slacking
above and beyondjust enough
passable · adequate · satisfactory · standard · ordinary
above and beyondinsufficient
Below required quantity
inadequate · falling short · subpar · deficient · lacking
above, beyond, overhead, aboveboard, aboveground, above-named, above-cited