on principle
Idioms-
On moral or ethical grounds. As James Russell Lowell wrote about Alexander Pope in 1871, “There was a time when I could not read Pope, but disliked him on principle.” [First half of 1800s]
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According to a fixed rule or practice. For example, The police were locking up the demonstrators on principle . [First half of 1800s]
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on general principle . For no special reason, in general, as in Dean won't touch broccoli on general principle . [First half of 1800s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Samuelson urged her colleagues to stand strong: “There are times when you need courage; stand on principle even if you stand alone.”
From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2026
Her client felt she had already given up enough in her marriage and divorce, and was fighting for the lamp on principle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 20, 2026
The prime minster had indicated last week he would accept Trump's invite on principle.
From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2026
While rejecting discriminatory pricing on principle, they are also worried for practical reasons, as staff will now need to check visitors' identity papers.
From Barron's ● Jan. 13, 2026
Scholars do not, on principle, believe in the supernatural.
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
