compromise integrity; humble oneself
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to lose one's integrity; to compromise one's moral principles (often by serving the enemy)
literaryLiterary term describing a failure to maintain loyalty or moral standards, especially in political or diplomatic contexts. Often used in historical or formal writing.
A true man would rather die than compromise his integrity to serve the enemy.
The envoy compromised his integrity and disgraced his mission, receiving severe punishment upon his return.
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He would rather go into exile abroad than ever surrender by compromising his principles.
verb
to humble oneself; to lower one's status; to debase oneself
literaryOften appears in the set phrase 卑躬屈节 (to bow and scrape, to act obsequiously). Implies a voluntary lowering of social or moral standing.
In order to seek official position, he did not hesitate to bow and humble himself.
One should have backbone as a person, and not casually lower oneself to please others.
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He never compromised his integrity to serve the powerful, and therefore had a rough career.