All idioms
idiom

Take the moral high ground

tayk thuh MOR-ul HY grownd

/teɪk ðə ˈmɒrəl haɪ ɡraʊnd/

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Syllable breakdown

takethemoralhighground

Dictionary meaning

To position oneself as morally superior to others in a dispute, acting in accordance with ethical principles and refusing to engage in unethical behaviour even when provoked.

Examples

  • Rather than retaliating, the organisation chose to take the moral high ground and issue a measured statement.
  • Taking the moral high ground can be difficult when others are not playing by the same rules.
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