手前
Formation
Meaning
Used when one feels a moral obligation, social pressure, or a need to save face because of a previous action, statement, or their current position.
Note
Often implies that the speaker is in a situation where they 'must' do something or 'cannot' do something to maintain their dignity or fulfill a promise in front of others. Also has the simple meaning of 'in front of' or 'just before' when used with a noun.
Examples
絶対に合格すると宣言した手前、不合格になるわけにはいかない。
Since I declared that I would definitely pass, I cannot afford to fail.
本当のことを話した手前、今さら嘘をつくことはできない。
Given that I told the truth, I cannot tell a lie now.
みんなが頑張っている手前、自分だけ先に帰るわけにはいかない。
Since everyone else is working hard, I cannot be the only one to go home early.
プロという手前、この程度のミスは許されない。
In my position as a professional, this level of mistake is unacceptable.
子供たちの手前、親が嘘をつくわけにはいかない。
In front of their children, parents cannot afford to tell lies.
客の手前、そんな態度は取れない。
Given the presence of customers, I cannot behave like that.