Dictionary

be the bigger man en · VERB

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, informal) To walk away from a conflict to prevent it from escalating.
   • 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. 2017, Chris Hemmings, Be a Man, Biteback Publishing, →ISBN, page 62:
   • Even if it's in retaliation for a roommate disrespecting your room, be the bigger Man and leave his room alone. 2012, Joseph Greene, The ComMANdments; The Official Guide Book to Man Rules, King-Size Edition, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 84:
   • 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. 2014, Barry Lyga, Lucky Day: An I Hunt Killers Novella, Hachette UK, →ISBN, page 39:

Forms

Relateds

the bigger man walks away from a fight

Synonyms

to be above