为五斗米折腰 wèiwǔdǒumǐzhéyāo to compromise one's principles for a salary Origin Definitions Defs Strokes Stroke Words Sentences Sents 不为五斗米折腰 bùwèiwǔdǒumǐzhéyāo to not bow down for a pittance Refusing to compromise one's integrity or dignity for a meager salary or minor material gain; used to describe a person of high character who is indifferent to fame and wealth.