unbending principles

[/ʌnˈbɛndɪŋ ˈprɪnsəpəlz/]
noun phrase
princípios inflexíveis
1. Firm, unwavering moral or ethical standards that someone refuses to compromise on, regardless of circumstances or pressure
She stood by her unbending principles even when it cost her the promotion.
Ela manteve seus princípios inflexíveis mesmo quando isso lhe custou a promoção.
2. Rigid adherence to a set of rules or values without flexibility or adaptation
His unbending principles made him unpopular in corporate environments that valued compromise.
Seus princípios inflexíveis o tornaram impopular em ambientes corporativos que valorizavam compromissos.
In Brazilian culture, 'unbending principles' reflects values of honesty (honestidade) and personal integrity, often admired but sometimes seen as naive in practical business contexts. In American culture, this phrase is associated with concepts of individual character and moral leadership, frequently appearing in political and corporate discourse.
NYC Slang
stick to your guns; no-flex principles
Synonyms / Sinônimos
rigid principlessteadfast principlesunwavering principlesuncompromising principlesfirm convictionsfixed beliefs
Antonyms / Antônimos
flexible principlescompromising valuesbendable ethicsadaptable standardswavering beliefs

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
princípios inflexíveis
Most common and widely understood translation
Rio de Janeiro
princípios duros
More colloquial variant
São Paulo
princípios inabaláveis
More formal, business-oriented usage
Portugal
princípios inamovíveis
Portuguese European variant, slightly more formal

Related Words

integrityconvictionmoral compasssteadfastnessrigidityobstinacydeterminationresolve

Related Idioms & Phrases

stand firm on one's principles
hold fast to one's convictions
not budge an inch
my way or the highway
a person of principle
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