above (redirected from aren't above)

above and beyond something

more than. The support given to us by the police was above and beyond what we could have expected. She doesn't receive any extra money, above and beyond what she's paid by the council. The number of hours she puts into her job is definitely above and beyond the call of duty. (= more than is expected of her)

See also: beyond

be a cut above something/someone

to be better than other things or people. This dark chocolate contains 70% cocoa solids. It's a cut above ordinary chocolate. Our new luxury apartments are a cut above the rest.

See also: cut

be above board

to be honest and legal. The deal was completely above board.

See also: board

head and shoulders above [the others/the rest etc.]

much better than other similar people or things. He's a head and shoulders above the other actors in the film. When you think back on the other writers of this period, James stands head and shoulders above them all.

See also: head, other, rest, shoulder

keep your head above water

to have just enough money to live or to continue a business. With extra income from private sponsorship, the club is just about managing to keep its head above water.

See also: head, keep, water

over and above

in addition to a particular amount or thing. Pensioners will receive an increase of £5 per week over and above inflation. The average family pays 40% of their income in taxes, and that's over and above their mortgage, bills, and food.

See also: over

put/stick your head above the parapet

to be brave enough to state an opinion that might upset people. Kearton was one of the very few to put his head above the corporate parapet and speak his mind in public.

See also: head, stick

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above all (else)

most importantly. He loved hunting, skiing, and above all, he loved his family.

See also: all

above and beyond something

more than or in addition to something. She has things she wants to accomplish above and beyond another championship. Our products are manufactured under the strictest guidelines, above and beyond what government regulations require.

(above and) beyond the call of duty

See also: beyond

above suspicion

not believed to have done anything wrong. The fact that you were once famous doesn't mean you're above suspicion.

above the fray

not involved in a particular argument. The president will try to stay above the political fray.

Usage notes: often used with stay, keep, or remain: He's remarkably good at remaining above the fray at the office.

See also: fray

above the law

not having to obey laws or rules. Football players can't be above the law just because they are so valuable to team owners.

See also: law

all of the above

everything mentioned. Struggles for control of a company may involve financial drama, personal loyalties, physical confrontation — or all of the above

Usage notes: often used in tests in which different possible answers are given, one of which is all of the above all of the answers provided are correct: The city's major commuter routes are backed up because of (a) construction, (b) fog, (c) heavy traffic, (d) breakdowns, or (e) all of the above.

See also: all

a cut above someone/something

better than other people or things. The songs on his new album are definitely a cut above the ones on his last CD.

See also: cut

head and shoulders above someone/something

much better than other similar people or things. Chicago's basketball team may be the oldest, but it is still head and shoulders above the rest of the league.

See also: head, shoulder

none of the above

not one of the possibilities mentioned. Given the choices in the election, I've been thinking about voting for none of the above.

Usage notes: often used in tests in which different possible answers are given, one of which is none of the above not one of the answers provided is correct: Are you part of Generation X, Generation Y, Generation 1.5, or none of the above?

See also: none

over and above something

in addition to something. We spent $1000 on hotels, and that's over and above food and entertainment.

See also: over

rise above something

to not allow something unpleasant to influence you. She rose above personal tragedy by following the principles of self-reliance, discipline, and education. Phillips had little hope of rising above poverty.

See also: rise