He took the moral low ground by lying to win the argument.
moral low ground
idiomA position or point of view which is unethical or less reputable, in comparison to others which are under consideration.
Origin
disputed originModelled on moral high ground.
By mocking his opponent's personal life instead of discussing the policy, he clearly occupied the moral low ground.
The politician chose to occupy the moral low ground, sacrificing his integrity for a temporary advantage in the polls.
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common ground
A characteristic or interest shared by multiple people or systems; any belief, etc. held in common.
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ear to the ground
The practice or characteristic of carefully gathering information; a state or mindset of attentiveness.
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eyes on the ground
One or more observers in an area of interest.
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facts on the ground
The situation in reality as opposed to in the abstract.
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fly low
To have one's fly (zipper) undone.
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friends in low places
Friends who have underworld connections or are involved in shady underdealings.
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from the ground up
From the beginning; starting with the basics, foundation, or fundamentals.
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get off the ground
To succeed or begin to succeed.