low road
5
7.0
- noun
- Informal
:
camino bajo
- I will not take the low road by spreading lies to undermine my opponent.
- take the low road
Examples
-
But I refuse to take the low road and accuse them of trying to deceive us.
Academic text (1990) -
Instead of compromising, instead of lending a hand, and instead of treating each other with dignity and respect, we take the low road.
Blog text (31) -
You seem to be the one taking the low road.
Blog text (22) -
You take the low road and I'll take the high road!
Blog text (5) -
Well, Peak Oil will lead to one of two outcomes: either we take the high road, or we take the low road.
Blog text (32) -
I assume the Republicans will not travel that low road should the positions be reversed.
Blog text (11) -
But we should refuse to take the low road and accuse them of trying to deceive us.
Academic text (1990) -
Instead, he chose the low road—or, rather, the lowest road.
Blog text (25) -
And if his campaign reverts to the low road, it will convey another unmistakable message: i.e., the president cannot win on his record; he cannot win in debates about the future.
Blog text (21) -
Choosing to take the low road only leads to more mistrust among our community.
Synonyms
A dishonest action or position in a debate that shows lack of honesty
Antonyms
How Ethical
46
3.2
- Informal
5
7.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is built compositionally from 'low' (inferior or morally deficient) + 'road' (a path or course), using a common path metaphor for courses of action. However, the moral sense of 'low' and the idiomatic pairing 'take the low road' require mapping metaphorical meaning that may not be fully predictable to an average B1 learner, so the transparency is partial.
Etymology
Low road may come from the simple picture of two paths: a clean, high path and a dirty, muddy one below called the low road. So, to take the low road came to mean choosing something 'dishonest' or 'unethical'.