Take the high road

To take the high road is an American phrase which means to approach an endeavor or problem in a fashion that is above pettiness, to travel the moral high ground, to behave decently. The phrase to take the high road came into popular use during the American presidential campaign of 1948, Thomas Dewey claiming to take the high road against Truman’s campaign tactics.

British use of the term to take the high road means to take the main or most direct route, literally or figuratively. City streets that are the main arteries are called high streets, more circuitous or back streets are called low streets.

Examples

While commendable to take the high road, his response could also have been interpreted as defeatist, his fate indeed having been sealed by bullpen and discipline mismanagements. (USA Today)

As frustrated as I was, I should always choose to be respectful and take the high road. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Of Harper’s response, Cormier said, “I think he did the right thing, he defended himself. But Bryce Harper’s like the team captain or something, so I think he needs to hold himself in higher regard and maybe take the high road.” (The Washington Post)

‘The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees,” declared Dr Johnson, “is the high road that leads him to England!” (The Sunday Times)

We took the high road to Corniglia instead, hiking the spine of the hillside to get up and over, pausing for lemonade and to admire a chapel in an even tinier hamlet called Volastra. (The Janesville Gazette)

If you’re feeling beached-out, then go inland and hit the high road in the Cordillera Central mountains in North Luzon. (The Courier-Mail)