save face
Meaning(s)
1. avoid embarrassment or loss of respect
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
lie in order to save face
Analysis
To save face literally means to avoid humiliating or to keep a good reputation in the minds of others. When you are trying to 'save face' you are aiming to preserve your integrity or avoid shame or embarrassment.
Social Examples (Advance)
- I have no idea whether David's account of events is accurate or not. He seems more interested in saving face than telling the truth.
- I made a huge mistake yesterday. It's going to take a lot of making up to save face.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- After a lot of back and forth, a compromise was found that allowed both sides involved in the industrial dispute to save face.
- The boss claimed that Claire leaving the company was agreed mutually in order to let her save face, but everyone knew she had been fired.