He chose to turn the other cheek instead of fighting back.
turn the other cheek
idiomTo accept punishment or injury without retaliating.
Origin
disputed originFrom the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus rejected the eye for an eye philosophy in favour of a more humble approach.
Even though his coworker was rude to him, he decided to turn the other cheek and stay professional.
Rather than engaging in a bitter cycle of retaliation, she chose to turn the other cheek, demonstrating a level of grace that surprised her critics.
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Buggins's turn
A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.
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cheek by jowl
In very close physical proximity, crowded together.
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good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
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left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
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serve the turn
To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.
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star turn
An acting performance which causes the performer to become renowned.
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take a turn
Change in direction, tone, or tendency.
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take a turn for the better
To start to become better; to improve.