Do the decent thing Meaning in English
expression
ˈdu/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdisənt/ /ˈθɪŋ
DOO thuh DEE-suhnt THING
dʉː/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈiːsənt/ /θˈɪŋ
DOO thuh DEE-suhnt THING
Definition
To act in a morally correct or honorable way, especially when the right thing may be uncomfortable or difficult.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in advice or criticism, urging someone to act honorably even if it is hard. More common in British English. Implies a clear sense of moral duty in the situation.
Spanish: hacer lo correcto - actuar con decenciaPortuguese (BR): fazer a coisa certa - agir decentementePortuguese (PT): fazer o que é correto - agir decentementeChinese (Simplified): 做正当的事 - 做体面的人Chinese (Traditional): 做正當的事 - 做體面的人Hindi: सही काम करना - शिष्ट आचरण करनाArabic: التصرف بشكل لائق - القيام بما هو صائبBengali: ঠিক কাজ করা - ভদ্রতা দেখানোRussian: поступить порядочно - сделать правильный поступокJapanese: 良識ある行動をする - 道徳的に正しく振る舞うVietnamese: làm điều đúng đắn - hành động một cách đàng hoàngKorean: 올바른 일을 하다 - 체면을 지키다Turkish: doğru olanı yapmak - düzgün davranmakUrdu: اچھا عمل کرنا - شائستگی سے پیش آناIndonesian: melakukan hal yang pantas - bertindak dengan baik
Example Sentences
You should do the decent thing and apologize.
basic
It's time to do the decent thing and tell the truth.
basic
If you broke it, please do the decent thing and replace it.
basic
He finally decided to do the decent thing and resign from his job.
natural
People expect politicians to do the decent thing, but it doesn't always happen.
natural
If you really care, you'll do the decent thing even when nobody's watching.
natural