take the high ground

take the high ground

1. To act morally, especially in times of disagreement or tension. A: "I thought you were mad at Kelly." B: "No, not anymore. Our friendship is more important than a grudge, so I've taken the high ground."
2. To be the most successful or renowned in a particular area. With these test scores, our school will finally take the high ground and become the most prestigious academy in the state.
See also: ground, high, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be on the straight and narrow
  • keep on the straight and narrow
  • keep to the straight and narrow
  • keep to, stay on, etc. the straight and narrow
  • stay on the straight and narrow
  • stay to the straight and narrow
  • on the straight and narrow
  • a difference of opinion
  • bad blood
  • there is bad blood between
References in periodicals archive
So we take the high ground, focus on our mandate, focus on what needs to be done despite the noise around,' she said.
Despite 'difficult time to be VP,' Robredo ignoring 'noise'