Above and beyond. Where does beyond start?

TiredThinker December 21, 2023 at 18:17 1700 views 7 comments
Is it like George Carlon's joke about new and improved?

Comments (7)

Nils Loc December 21, 2023 at 18:42 #863757
Relative to whatever boundary or place marker you're concerned with.

Where is the topographic feature, the limit, the declaration, by which we can wonder what lies beyond.
TiredThinker December 21, 2023 at 20:04 #863803
Reply to Nils Loc Indeed. But people usually don't mention this border between the here and the beyond.
Vera Mont December 22, 2023 at 17:20 #864227
Quoting TiredThinker
But people usually don't mention this border between the here and the beyond.


They do, though. The phrase is applied in specific contexts, such as "above and beyond the call of duty", which means that the soldier or police officer performed some action that took exertion, courage or sacrifice above what can be normally expected, and beyond the confines of their job description: ie, something both more and better than they were required to do.
TiredThinker December 23, 2023 at 02:33 #864325
Reply to Vera Mont

What is expected of a person isn't always clear, and many people's duties are to do what needs to be done.
Vera Mont December 23, 2023 at 03:39 #864333
Quoting TiredThinker
What is expected of a person isn't always clear, and many people's duties are to do what needs to be done.


Okay. I will endeavour to abide by unspecified expectations and do whatever needs to be done." Is that the agreement you sign when you accept a new job?
TiredThinker December 23, 2023 at 16:34 #864416
Reply to Vera Mont

I don't sign anything. Lol.
Vera Mont December 23, 2023 at 16:39 #864418
Reply to TiredThinker
I should have guessed. However, ordinary people, when they accept a job, have defined duties and responsibilities, usually a comprehensive job description and some idea of company policy regarding what employees are permitted, expected and empowered to do.