# when they go low, we go high

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/when-they-go-low-we-go-high
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- When they go low, we go high.
- Even though my opponent insulted me during the debate, I remembered that when they go low, we go high.
- Despite the relentless provocations from his rivals, he maintained his dignity, firmly believing that when they go low, we go high.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.