save face

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Better to demonstrate prudence, he reasoned, than to rashly reverse a well-considered decision in hope of temporarily saving face.

From Los Angeles Times

Years later she would admit she was trying to save face, telling Australian media she was actually dropped from the team.

From BBC

Former judge Brian Langstaff, who chaired the inquiry, slammed successive governments and medical professionals for “a catalogue of failures” and refusal to admit responsibility to save face and expense.

From Seattle Times

Israel expects Iran to strike in a way that allows it to save face, but is measured enough to not arouse an even fiercer counter-strike, analysts say.

From New York Times

The move would be largely symbolic, but it would allow Republicans in Congress to save face while ending their so far struggling impeachment inquiry.

From New York Times