be the bigger man

English

Verb

be the bigger man (irregular; see conjugation of "be")

1. to walk away from a conflict to stop it from escalating
   • 2012, Joseph Greene, The ComMANdments; The Official Guide Book to Man Rules, King-Size Edition, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 84:

     Even if it's in retaliation for a roommate disrespecting your room, be the bigger Man and leave his room alone.

   • 2014, Barry Lyga, Lucky Day: An I Hunt Killers Novella, Hachette UK, →ISBN, page 39:

     I left 'em in the evidence locker. Someday, he's gonna come apologizing to me and I'll be the bigger man and let him have 'em.

   • 2017, Chris Hemmings, Be a Man, Biteback Publishing, →ISBN, page 62:

     I remember at a very early age being taught that, when faced with the prospect of fighting, I should always be the bigger man and walk away from it. It's something young boys hear over and over again in their early life. The idea of being the 'bigger man' evokes the belief that those who don't fight are, in fact, superior in their masculinity as they don't have to prove their dominance physically.

Synonyms

• to be above