take the high road

American

[teyk thuh hahy rohd] / ˈteɪk ðə ˈhaɪ ˌroʊd /

idiom

to take a more honorable or ethical course of action.

The moderator is hoping that candidates will take the high road on debate night and stick to discussing the issues instead of flinging mud at each other.

Etymology

Origin of take the high road

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also seemed to take the high road.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

That’s where you kinda have to think bigger and you have to be a bigger human around it all and learn how to be really forgiving and take the high road.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2023

But that determination to take the high road may be put to the test if “Emancipation,” the slavery drama from Apple that stars Smith, proves to be a contender.

From New York Times • Nov. 7, 2022

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, however, chose to take the high road as Hurricane Ian battered the Sunshine State.

From Washington Times • Sep. 28, 2022

He was either unwilling or unable to take the high road.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023