sacrifice integrity

[SAK-ruh-fyce in-TEG-ruh-tee]
verb phrase
comprometer a integridade
1. to abandon or compromise one's moral principles, honesty, or ethical standards in pursuit of personal gain, advantage, or other objectives
He sacrificed integrity by accepting bribes from corrupt officials.
Ele comprometeu a integridade ao aceitar subornos de autoridades corruptas.
2. to act dishonestly or unethically despite having previously maintained high moral standards
The company sacrificed integrity when it hid the safety defects from consumers.
A empresa comprometeu a integridade quando ocultou os defeitos de segurança dos consumidores.
This phrase carries significant weight in both American and Brazilian cultures, where personal integrity and reputation are highly valued. In Brazil, the concept of 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility) exists in business culture, but outright sacrifice of integrity is still considered morally reprehensible. In the USA, particularly in corporate and political contexts, accusations of sacrificing integrity are serious and can be career-damaging. The phrase is frequently used in discussions about corruption, business ethics, and political conduct in both countries.
NYC Slang
sell out; go dirty; compromise your game
Synonyms / Sinônimos
compromise ethicsabandon principlesbetray valuessell outact dishonestlyviolate moral standards
Antonyms / Antônimos
maintain integrityuphold principlesstay true to valuesact ethicallypreserve honesty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
comprometer a integridade
Most common and standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
abrir mão da integridade
Alternative colloquial expression meaning 'to give up integrity'
São Paulo
perder a integridade
Common in business and corporate contexts
Portugal
sacrificar a integridade
Direct translation, more formal and literary usage

Related Words

integritycompromiseethicsmoral standardsprincipleshonestycorruptionbetrayal

Related Idioms & Phrases

compromise your values
sell your soul
go against your principles
abandon your ethics
take the easy way out
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