“When they ___ …” (start of a memorable Michelle Obama line) NYT crossword clue

The answer to the clue “‘When they ___ …’ (start of a memorable Michelle Obama line)” is **GOLOW**.

This phrase is a direct reference to Michelle Obama’s powerful and widely quoted line: “When they go low, we go high.” Delivered at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, the quote became a defining moment in political rhetoric, symbolizing dignity and resilience in the face of personal attacks. In crossword form, the clue hints at the full phrase’s beginning, and “GOLOW” cleverly compresses the first part into a single entry that crossword solvers will recognize from cultural memory.