1.
upright and incorruptible; spotlessly honest
Four-character idiom describing someone with nothing shameful in their conduct — above all, free of any taint of bribery or self-dealing. Used almost exclusively of politicians, officials, and others entrusted with public money or power.
He put on a show of being incorruptible, but he had been taking money behind the scenes.
清廉 (pure and disinterested) + 潔白 (innocent, unstained). The two halves reinforce each other, which is what gives the phrase its weight.
Usage
Because the standard it sets is so absolute, the phrase often appears in contexts of doubt — a denial (清廉潔白を主張する) or an ironic contrast with what was later uncovered. A plain assertion that someone is 清廉潔白 is high praise.
Common collocations
Similar words
Related Words
Compare:
誠実 (sincere)