语出《论语・微子》:“不降其志,不辱其身,伯夷、叔齐与。谓柳下惠,少连,降志辱身矣。”指贬屈志气,苟合世俗,同流合污。《汉・王充・论衡・定贤》:“以清节自守,不降志辱身为贤乎?是则避世离俗,长沮、桀溺之类也。”
英语 give up one's aspiration and live in contempt