1. Above can mean in or at a higher place.        

Pattern 1: be + above + noun

A dark cloud was above the house.     

Pattern 2: verb + noun + above + noun
Let's hang the picture above the sofa.              

Verbs commonly used before above:
arrange, carry, hang, hold, keep, place, put, set

2. Above can mean at a higher level, value, or rank.

Her blood pressure is above normal.
The children in her class are all above average.
In the navy, a captain is above a commander.             

3. Above (adverb) can indicate something written earlier in a book, article, or other document.
Please see the instructions above.                                                                                          

4. Above (adjective) describes something written earlier.
Please follow the above instructions.                                      

5. Above indicates that a person is too good to commit the stated negative action.                                                                   

Pattern 1: be + above + noun
The policeman is above cruelty.          

Nouns often used after above:
cruelty, dishonesty, meanness, perjury, theft, murder, treason           

Pattern 2: be + above + verb in gerund form
He may be poor, but he is above stealing.                  

Gerunds often used with this meaning:
breaking the law, cheating, gossiping, lying, robbing, snooping, stealing      

6. Expressions            

up above (adverb)—in heaven
Our dear grandmother is now in peace up above.       

 above and beyond the call of duty—action that is more or greater than what is expected of a person
My teacher's help after school was above and beyond the call of duty.                                    

above board—completely honest and open
Our negotiations with the company were above board.             

above the law—exempt from restrictions of the law

People in power sometimes believe they are above the law.

Twitter