悪あく木ぼく盗とう泉せん

expression

a virtuous person does not compromise their principles even in hardship

A yojijukugo (four-character idiom) expressing the idea that one should not commit a dishonorable act, no matter how desperate the circumstances. Rare in modern conversation; mainly encountered in literary or classical contexts.

• 「悪あく木ぼく盗とう泉せん」という言こと葉ばは、窮きゅうしても道みちを外はずさない君くん子しの心こころ構がまえを表あらわしている。

  The phrase 'akuboku tōsen' expresses the mindset of a noble person who does not stray from the path even when in dire straits.