take the high road

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

to choose the morally superior or more dignified course of action, particularly in a conflict or difficult situation where the easier, more vindictive, or self-serving option is available; the phrase draws on the metaphor of a high road — historically the longer, more demanding mountain path that nonetheless offered clearer views and more reliable conditions — as opposed to the low road of expedient, petty, or dishonourable behaviour; to take the high road in an argument is to respond with grace and generosity rather than retaliating in kind; in Scottish tradition the phrase has additional poignancy from the Jacobite song The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond — 'ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low road' — where the low road is the path of the dead returning home