take the high road

take the high road

To choose the most noble, ethical, or diplomatic course or method, especially after or in the face of negativity or ill treatment. Strive to always take the high road when dealing with others, even if they've treated you unfairly in the past. Life has a habit of rewarding those who learn to turn the other cheek.
See also: high, road, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take the high road

AMERICAN
If someone takes the high road, they choose the course of action which is the most moral or acceptable and which is least likely to harm or upset other people. Of course, the antiwar demonstrators think they're taking the moral high road. US diplomats say the president is likely to take the high road in his statements about trade. Note: You can say that someone takes the low road when they choose an immoral or dishonest course of action. Meanwhile, it was revealed that his campaign was gearing up to take the low road with its own attack ads.
See also: high, road, take
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

take the ˈhigh road (in something)

(American English) take the most positive course of action: He took the high road in his campaign.
See also: high, road, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • highroad
  • the high road
  • do (something) the hard way
  • do something the hard way
  • do the hard way
  • do/learn something the hard way
  • a cloud hangs over (someone or something)
  • a cloud hangs over somebody/something
  • my
  • shoot off (one's) face
References in periodicals archive
If an awkward situation arises regarding your competitors, for example, on the condition that they are bashing you, take the high road. Don't reciprocate.
What it means to have an amicable spirit with your competitors
When I experience one of those exceptions, I always take the high road. My hope is that a civil response to an ad hominem attack will bring civility back to the litigation arena.
In 2017, and beyond, I pledge to always take the high road and never advocate for my client by attacking my opponent rather than their argument.
Editor's page
END OF AN ERA: No more Mrs Mack; HEYDAY: The Take the High Road cast in 1990 when the soap was a ratings winner with viewers
END OF THE ROAD; A final dramatic episode sends the nation's oldest soap out on a real High
Hammel: Everyone has a different definition of taking the high road, but we think we pretty consistently take the high road. We have, for better or worse, been beaten on stories because we've taken the high road.
Papparazzi versus mainstream press