high ground

noun

1. a position of moral or ethical superiority.

   The candidate has claimed the moral high ground.

Word History and Origins

Origin of high ground¹

First recorded in 1480–90; current sense dates from 1800–10

Example Sentences

Chasiv Yar, which the Russians recently claimed to have captured, "is one of the last bits of high ground the Ukrainians control", he says.

From BBC

Some brightness is possible downwind of high ground.

From BBC

Many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40 to 50mph with 60 to 70mph possible along exposed coasts and high ground.

From BBC

Heart O' the Hills wasn't in session and "most of those who were on camp at the time have been accounted for and are on high ground", the statement said.

From BBC

And anyone claiming a moral high ground from which to dictate how others live is even more visible when they fall.

From Salon