dictates of conscience

the dictates of conscience

cliché The directives or guiding principles of one's own moral values. Several high-ranking officials have broken rank with the senator on the controversial issue, claiming they felt compelled to follow the dictates of conscience. We must always be informed by the dictates of conscience when creating new policies.

See also: conscience, dictate, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

dictates of conscience

The guiding principles of what one believes is right. The word “dictate” has been so used, for the authoritative words of law, scripture, and the like, since the late sixteenth century. In 1656 Archbishop John Bramhall wrote, “Contrarie to the dictate of his conscience.”

See also: conscience, dictate, of

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer