潔いさぎよしとせず

expression

find it against one's conscience; too proud to do

A formal, somewhat literary expression used when someone refuses to do something because they consider it dishonorable or beneath their dignity. Often followed by a verb in the negative or a phrase indicating refusal.

See also: 潔しとしない

• 彼かれは不ふ正せいな手しゅ段だんで勝かつことを潔いさぎよしとせず、潔いさぎよく負まけを認みとめた。

  He found it against his conscience to win by unfair means, and gracefully admitted defeat.

• 彼かの女じょは他た人にんの悪わる口ぐちを言いうのを潔いさぎよしとせず、いつも黙だまっている。

  She is too proud to speak ill of others, and always remains silent.