操みさおを守まもる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

adhere to one's principles; preserve one's chastity

A set phrase meaning to stay true to one's moral principles or, in a narrower sense, to remain chaste. Often used in literary or formal contexts.

• 彼かの女じょはどんな誘ゆう惑わくにも負まけず、操みさおを守まもり続つづけた。

  She resisted all temptations and remained true to her principles.

• 昔むかしの武ぶ士しは、たとえ貧まずしくとも操みさおを守まもることを重おもんじた。

  Samurai of old valued preserving their integrity even in poverty.