# do the right thing

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/do-the-right-thing
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To do what is ethical or just.

## Examples

- You should always do the right thing.
- He found a wallet on the street and decided to do the right thing by returning it to the owner.
- Even when faced with significant personal loss, she felt compelled to do the right thing and report the error to the board.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.