be a matter of principle

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be a matter of principle

to be something that you feel you must or must not do, because of your moral principles

Example: 

She couldn’t take the money. It was a matter of principle.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

be a matter of principle

to be something that you feel you must or must not do, because of your moral principles She couldn’t take the money. It was a matter of principle.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

a matter of principle

 noun phrase

Definition of a matter of principle

a situation that requires something be done a certain way because one believes it is the only right wayIt was a matter of principle for her that she pay her own way.As a matter of principle, he would not accept the gift.