to save face
25
5.3
- idiom
- /seɪv feɪs/
- Informal
:
guardar las apariencias
- He tried to save face after the mistake by offering to take on extra work.
- a way to save face
So it was more about saving face, not losing and saying that you won.
- So it was more about saving face, not losing and saying that you won.
- It's a way for them to save face when they are feeling really off balance.
- They get to save face and seem good and not feel that shame around their tantrum.
- And at the same time, you save face by saying that this is based on new information.
- He goes, we have to walk so gently around the policy makers to allow them to save face because their pride won't allow them to pivot.
- Narcissistic people tend to say cool things first and maybe, just maybe issue apologies later if they have to save face and avoid shame.
- How are they going to save face when all this research starts hitting the presses that yeah, keto is good for that too.
- I no let well, let me tell you right now, I don't know what that I I was definitely nervous because I was just, I was just trying to save face and say something.
- Now on any other day I would have said a little just to save face, just to not look like a freaking moron ill prepared and unprepared for my meeting right?
- And you might have saved face a little bit.
Examples
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If teenagers are not being honest, it may be out of fear or to save face.
Academic text (2012) -
After the vote, creationists tried to save face by insisting they had scored a victory.
Academic text (2011) -
It's a way for them to save face when they are feeling really off balance.
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And at the same time, you save face by saying that this is based on new information.
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I know you want to save face.
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I think my parents are doing all this to save face.
Academic text (2006) -
For Paul it was a matter of saving face.
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All kidding aside, the most important thing is that your daughter goes back to school, and that your wife gets to save face.
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What can we compromise on to get a deal and save face at the same time?
Blog text (21) -
The imposition gives the leaders of both sides an excuse, a way to save face, and a scapegoat.
Academic text (2002)
Antonyms
How Dignified
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to avoid embarrassment or maintain dignity' is directly derivable from combining 'save' (to protect or rescue) with 'face' understood as social standing or reputation; the composition yields 'protect one's reputation.' This is a conventional, cross-linguistically common metaphor (e.g., 'save/lose face') rather than an idiosyncratic idiom, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings would understand it.
Etymology
Save face comes from the idea that a person's face stands for their reputation and public respect, so to save it is like protecting that image. That's why save face today means 'avoid embarrassment' and keep someone's respect.