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Glite Dictionary
to stand by one's principles

to stand by one's principles

1 5.4
Keep doing what you believe is right even when it is hard
  • idiom
translation icon : mantenerse firme en sus principios
  • She decided to stand by one's principles when faced with criticism from her peers.

Examples

  • I applaud you for the fact that you are willing to stand by your principles on this matter.

    Blog text (28)

  • It's important to stand by one's principles, even in tough situations.

  • But what makes us different, you and me, is that I stand by my principles.

    El cártel (2009)

  • Why not stand by your principles?

    Blog text (6)

  • And I'm going to stand by my principles.

    Blog text (21)

  • Stand by your principles even if others disagree.

    Blog text (9)

  • If as you suggest, he stands by his principles... condemns the scheme in question, then shall I give you his letter.

    An Ideal Husband (1999)

  • No mention of the write-in candidate RON PAUL, who to this day stands by his principles and can still level his critics with the Constitution and Austrian economics.

    Blog text (12)

  • If so, then that is either a sign that you are unwilling to stand by your principles when they are inconvenient, or that you know they are wrong but are unwilling to own up to that reality.

    Blog text (6)

  • Many admire him because he always stands by one's principles, no matter how difficult it gets.

Synonyms

to stand up for
vsto stand by one's principles
256 2.7

Defend or support someone who is treated unfairly

acts from ethical obligation rather than only offering defense when needed
to stand your ground
vsto stand by one's principles
  • Informal
25 5.7

To keep your position when others disagree

keeps acting from moral conviction instead of mere resistance
to make a stand
vsto stand by one's principles
23 4.6

Publicly say you strongly agree or disagree with something

keeps behaving consistently from moral beliefs, not a single public act
to stand firm
vsto stand by one's principles
22 3.7

Keep your decision or opinion when others try to make you change

maintains behavior guided by ethical values, not just a fixed position
to stick to one's guns
vsto stand by one's principles
  • Informal
12 6.7

Keep supporting your idea when others disagree

acts from moral or ethical reasons rather than mere stubbornness
to stand fast
vsto stand by one's principles
4 6.4

Refuse to change your mind when others disagree

acts from moral conviction rather than only holding belief
to take a firm stand
vsto stand by one's principles
1 4.4

To state an opinion strongly and refuse to change it when others disagree

acts consistently from moral belief rather than making one strong statement

Antonyms

to compromise
215 3.7

To settle a disagreement by each side giving up something

to yield
81 4.3

To stop resisting under pressure or force

How Principled

to stand by one's principles
1 5.4
to compromise
215 3.7

Surface Forms

stand by one's principles infinitive
stood by one's principles past
stood by one's principles past participle
standing by one's principles present participle
stands by one's principles third person singular

Morphology

stand + by + one + principle

There is a clear compositional link: 'stand' (remain/hold a position) + 'by' (at the side of) yields the metaphorical sense of remaining loyal or supporting ('standing next to') one's principles. However, the specific phrasal-verb sense 'stand by' (to adhere to/support) is a conventionalized, slightly metaphorical extension that some B1 learners may not fully predict without exposure, so it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Stand by one's principles gives a simple picture: to stand by something is to stand next to it, and principles are your 'moral beliefs'. Imagine a person literally standing beside their rules and refusing to move; that's why the phrase means 'to keep acting according to your moral beliefs even when it is hard'.