high ground
A position of advantage or superiority in a conflict or competition.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She took the high ground during the argument.”
“Even though he insulted me, I took the high ground and refused to respond.”
“By choosing to address the scandal with complete transparency, the politician successfully occupied the high ground in the public debate.”
From high + ground.
- 01
come hell or high water
Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.
- 02
common ground
A characteristic or interest shared by multiple people or systems; any belief, etc. held in common.
- 03
ear to the ground
The practice or characteristic of carefully gathering information; a state or mindset of attentiveness.
- 04
eyes on the ground
One or more observers in an area of interest.
- 05
facts on the ground
The situation in reality as opposed to in the abstract.
- 06
friends in high places
Friends who have authority or influence and who can ensure that one's interests will be protected or furthered.
- 07
from the ground up
From the beginning; starting with the basics, foundation, or fundamentals.
- 08
get high
To intoxicate oneself with drugs or other substances.
Last updated August 10, 2026