save face

Idioms  

1. Avoid humiliation or embarrassment, preserve dignity, as in Rather than fire him outright, they let him save face by accepting his resignation. The phrase, which uses face in the sense of “outward appearances,” is modeled on the antonym lose face. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

save face

Since huge numbers left as he was mid-speech at the opening celebration, this seems an unwise way to save face.

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026

American leaders may expect Mr. Putin to respond to these circumstances in what they deem a “rational” way, by acknowledging battlefield realities and looking for ways to cut his losses and save face.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026

"It feels like it's been drawn up on the back of a paper napkin, just so that they can save face and come across as being more reasonable."

From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2026

"Both sides need to be able to claim victory and save face, whatever deal they agree on," a diplomat based in the Middle East told AFP on condition of anonymity.

From Barron's ● Mar. 26, 2026

Lending a coat to a friend who needed to save face with his mother and father could be normal, Shin thought.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden