Meaning of be the bigger man | Babel Free

Definitions

To walk away from a conflict to prevent it from escalating.

idiomatic, informal

Examples

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

“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.”

“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.”

CEFR level