In the face of intimidation, he refused to bend, insisting on telling the truth.
Tips
history
From 《孟子·滕文公下》 (Mencius, Duke Teng Wen II). Mencius' definition of the true 大丈夫 (great person): 富贵不能淫，贫贱不能移，威武不能屈 — '(One who is) not corrupted by wealth and status, not moved by poverty and humble station, not bent by force and power'. The three clauses are almost always quoted together.
usage
One of a famous triad — also see 富贵不能淫 and 贫贱不能移 in this dictionary. Used to praise people of moral backbone: whistleblowers, dissenting judges, lone-voice journalists. Classical register, very common in editorial writing.
