estar acima de; ser superior a; estar isento de
1. to be at a higher physical level or position than something else
The bird is above the trees.
O pássaro está acima das árvores.
2. to be superior in rank, status, or quality
She is above the other candidates in experience.
Ela é superior aos outros candidatos em experiência.
3. to be too good, dignified, or important to do something considered beneath one's status
He thought he was above helping with the cleaning.
Ele achava que era importante demais para ajudar na limpeza.
4. to be exempt or free from something
No one is above the law.
Ninguém está isento da lei.
5. to be beyond or past a certain level or threshold
The temperature rose above freezing.
A temperatura subiu acima de zero graus.
In both Brazilian and American English, 'be above' is commonly used to describe social hierarchies and moral standards. The phrase 'no one is above the law' is particularly significant in both cultures when discussing equality and justice. In Brazil, the concept of someone thinking they are 'above' certain tasks relates to class distinctions and social hierarchy, which are important cultural considerations.
NYC Slang
be above it / think you're above it - meaning to consider oneself too good for something
Related Idioms & Phrases
be above reproach - ser irrepreensível; estar acima de qualquer crítica
be above the law - estar acima da lei; ser inimputável
be above board - ser honesto e transparente
be above suspicion - estar acima de suspeitas
think one is above someone - achar-se superior a alguém
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