What does 'take the high road' mean?

Answer 1

It means to do whats the most acceptable ethically

Years ago before modern roads and bridges existed and roads were not paved, roads were built on the same level as the ground. Some roads would run across low ground and some would run through hills. Frequently, it was faster to take the roads across the low ground. However, if you took the road across the low ground, you could get muddy. In fact you could get stuck in the mud. If you took the high road, the journey would be more difficult but you would arrive clean although sometimes a little later and not needing to get the mud off of you and your vehicle. From that illustration came the expression, "Take the High Road." It means take the path that is a little more difficult but is unlikely to get mud all over you: physically, mentally, legally, or morally. In other words, don't cheat or steal. Do your own work.

The low road refers to that path traveled by all at some point - death. The high road is of course this earthy existence.

The clue is in the line "For me and my true love will ne'er meet again" - this is reference to the parting of two soul mates / sword brothers.

The expression "take the high road" means to take the road less travelled. It would probably be a rougher path, more difficult to travel. But even though it is the more difficult choice, it has its own rewards.

By contrast, the low road is the path of least resistance. It is the road taken by the majority, so it would be less difficult to travel. I agree mostly with the interpretation above, but I disagree with the interpretation of the meaning of the song. I think the low road is this earthly existance, ending with our death. The high road is belief in the greater good and our hope for eternal life.

... means being "morally superior".

Actually, the Scottish song refers to two men .. one who is going to be released and one executed. The high road refers to the road the spirit takes back to its homeland (Scotland) at a person's death. The low road is the earthly road. The executed man was to be in Scotland first.

Answer 2

The explanation seems to be that after the 45 the low road soldier was executed in England , while the high road soldier was allowed home. At the time the coffin of the low road soldier, if sent to Scotland, would have been sent back by sea, the low route. This was the normal means of sending cargo to Scotland at that time. His spirit would have reached Scotland immediately after his execution, but he would never see his true love again. The released high road soldier would have had to struggle across land, and so would have taken the high route. Malcolm Rees, University of Buckingham

Answer 3

"To take the high road" means to make a decision based on morals.