be honor-bound

be honor-bound

To be or feel obliged (to do something) because it is morally correct or required by one's sense of duty or integrity, even if one does not desire to do so. It pains me to turn you in to the police, my friend, but I am honor-bound to inform them of your actions.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • feel duty bound to (do something)
  • feel honor-bound to (do something)
  • be honor-bound to (do something)
  • (in) honor bound (to do something)
  • honor bound
  • honour bound
  • keep to the straight and narrow
  • keep to, stay on, etc. the straight and narrow
  • stay to the straight and narrow
  • be on the straight and narrow
References in periodicals archive
Nor does it mean that every new CEO should be honor-bound to come up with a new long-range plan during his first year in office.
When not to change