doing the right thing
Choosing moral action
Doing the right thing means acting according to moral principles, especially when it's difficult or costly.
The phrase often implies choosing ethics over self-interest: She reported the fraud even though it meant losing her job—it was the right thing to do.
What counts as "right" depends on context and values, but the expression usually suggests conscience over convenience.
Impartial and unbiased
- equitableJust and unbiased
- impartialShowing no preference
- justFair and impartial
- lawfulPermitted by statute
legitimate · redress · remedy · restitution · accountability · due · deserved · proper
Showing courage despite fear
- boldCourageous and daring
- valiantCourageously determined
- heroicExceptionally brave and noble
- gallantCourageously attentive and refined
fearless · standing up · speaking out · whistleblowing · confronting · challenging · risking · sacrificing
Concerning right conduct
- principledHaving strong moral beliefs
- ethicalConforming to moral principles
- conscientiousScrupulously careful and thorough
- virtuousMorally excellent, principled
upright · decent · scrupulous · responsible · accountable · dutiful · honest · truthful
Free from deception
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- reliableConsistently performing as expected
- dependableWorthy of trust
- sincereGenuinely felt, not feigned
authentic · genuine · steadfast · loyal · forthright · transparent · truthful · consistent
fair
Impartial and unbiased
lawful · legitimate · redress · remedy · restitution · accountability · due · deserved · proper · corrective
brave
Showing courage despite fear
gallant · fearless · standing up · speaking out · whistleblowing · confronting · challenging · risking · sacrificing · intervening
moral
Concerning right conduct
- principledHaving strong moral beliefs
- ethicalConforming to moral principles
- conscientiousScrupulously careful and thorough
virtuous · upright · decent · scrupulous · responsible · accountable · dutiful · honest · truthful · fair-minded
honest
Free from deception
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- reliableConsistently performing as expected
- dependableWorthy of trust
sincere · authentic · genuine · steadfast · loyal · forthright · transparent · truthful · consistent · unwavering
doing the right thingwrongdoing
Unethical or illegal action
sinning · wickedness · malfeasance · transgressing · ethical violation
doing the right thingcutting corners
Reducing effort improperly
selling out · caving in · going along to get along · copping out · giving in
doing, doings, undone, undoing, right, rights, righted, righting, rightful