face-saver

American  

[feys-sey-ver] / ˈfeɪsˌseɪ vər /

noun

1. something that saves one's prestige or dignity.

   Allow him the face-saver of resigning instead of being fired.

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face-saver British  

noun

1. something that serves to maintain the dignity or prestige of someone or something

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Other Word Forms

• face-saving noun

Etymology

Origin of face-saver

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

He found a fast face-saver: an old town ordinance stipulating that all gravestones must be approved by the city council.

From Time Magazine Archive

Effusiveness of the praise which was given Herr Funk made it look suspiciously as if he was being eased out, and given credit as a face-saver.

From Time Magazine Archive

The convention unanimously approved this face-saver, kept itself in good standing with both camps of Labor.

From Time Magazine Archive

Premier Daladier demanded his resignation, but as a face-saver offered him the Governor Generalship of Morocco.

From Time Magazine Archive

One such face-saver would be a public admission on U.S. oilmen's part that they could have behaved more simpaticamente toward Mexico in the past, are resolved to do better in the future.

From Time Magazine Archive