To do the decent thing
phrase
Acting according to moral standards, usually when expected or needed.
When he found the wallet on the ground, John did the decent thing and returned it to its owner.
Often appears as...
- did the decent thing
- doing the decent thing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Acting according to moral standards, usually when expected or needed.
When he found the wallet on the ground, John did the decent thing and returned it to its owner.
Often appears as...
- did the decent thing
- doing the decent thing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Expectation
In many cultures, doing the decent thing is highly praised and often expected in social interactions.
At the funeral, they did the decent thing by offering their condolences to the family.
Pro Tip 2/3Moral Dilemma
The phrase is often used when a person is faced with a choice where the morally right action is clear.
Even though it was hard, she did the decent thing and admitted to her mistake.
Pro Tip 3/3Expectation vs. Action
It underscores the difference between what's expected and what one actually does, focusing on the right action taken.
After the debate, the candidate did the decent thing by shaking hands with his opponent.
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