face-saver

[ feys-sey-ver ]

noun

1. something that saves one's prestige or dignity:

   Allow him the face-saver of resigning instead of being fired.

ˈface-ˌsaver

noun

1. something that serves to maintain the dignity or prestige of someone or something

Other Words From

• face-saving noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of face-saver¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi now faces only an obscure politician who stepped forward at the last minute to enter the race as a face-saver for the government.

From Seattle Times

“Sports are one of the few things that could be offered to North Korea as a face-saver for backing down a little bit,” Weber said.

From Seattle Times

“Sports are one of the few things that could be offered to North Korea as a face-saver for backing down a little bit,” Weber said.

From Los Angeles Times

When Trump returned with a $2 million television ad buy two weeks ago, even fellow Republicans panned the move as a financially unjustifiable face-saver, one meant to beat back rumors that he was pulling out of the state entirely.

From Washington Post

This deal is a face-saver for both sides: economic advantages for Israel in the form of future gas exports via Turkey, the lessening of isolation for Turkey as well as an easing of the harsh humanitarian conditions for 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza.

From The Guardian