on principle

1. On moral or ethical grounds. As James Russell Lowell wrote about Alexander Pope in 1871, “There was a time when I could not read Pope, but disliked him on principle.” [First half of 1800s]

2. According to a fixed rule or practice. For example, The police were locking up the demonstrators on principle . [First half of 1800s]

3. on general principle . For no special reason, in general, as in Dean won't touch broccoli on general principle . [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

But it is also on principle important to investigate why the president reportedly shut down the planned release of Epstein-related documents immediately after being told that his name appeared in them.

From Slate

“What happens in an outlier case is it gets intensely personal, and there’s public embarrassment, there’s public accusations, and then it becomes about standing on principle,” Doll said.

From Los Angeles Times

Even if you despise the Fullers on principle, “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” is an enthralling watch.

From Los Angeles Times

Hawley has said he will not return to the venue on principle.

From BBC

"I'm not going to pay it on principle, and if I have to go to court, I will."

From BBC