ENGLISH
REFERENCE

when they go low, we go high

idiom
Meaning

Used to indicate an unwillingness to stoop to an adversary's incivility or violence.


Examples
SIMPLE

When they go low, we go high.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though my opponent insulted me during the debate, I remembered that when they go low, we go high.

COMPLEX

Despite the relentless provocations from his rivals, he maintained his dignity, firmly believing that when they go low, we go high.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all dressed up and nowhere to go

    Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

  2. 02

    all systems go

    Everything is ready.

  3. 03

    as you go

    While one is doing (something); as one progresses.

  4. 04

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  5. 05

    come and go

    To repeatedly appear and disappear; to be transient.

  6. 06

    come hell or high water

    Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.

  7. 07

    don't go there

    Do not broach that topic.

  8. 08

    easy come, easy go

    Easily won and easily lost (usually said when resigned to a loss; something that comes in the same way, goes in the same way)

Last updated April 17, 2026