Idiom: save face
Meaning
Idiom: save face
- to avoid embarrassment or humiliation and preserve dignity
- to keep the respect of others after something humiliating
Example sentences
— Telling the truth to your parents about your failing grades will help you save face.
— He tried to save face by apologizing but everyone was too angry with him to care.
— I wanted to save face with my colleagues by explaining why I've been late for every day but I need to wait until three months of my pregnancy have passed.
— I saved face after using sick leave for my vacation by working unpaid overtime after someone told my boss I was in Mexico.
— What can I do to save face? I don't want my children to think they can't trust me.
— Our client's account was more than 90 days past due but I allowed him to save face by saying he must not have received the notice about our new payment procedures.
— In international diplomacy, it's often important to allow other countries to find a way to save face in order to successfully conclude negotiations or avoid major conflicts.
Synonyms
- preserve one's honor
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