save face

[save face] {v. phr.}

To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame.

* /The policeman was caught accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was money owed to him./

* /Bill would not play in the game because he knew he could not do well and he wanted to save face./

* /The colonel who lost the battle saved face by showing his orders from the general./

Contrast: LOSE FACE. — [face-saver] {n.}

* /The shop teacher's note was a face-saver when another teacher thought John and Bill were playing hookey in town./

- [face-saving] {adj.}

* /The note was a face-saving idea./

- [face-saving] {n.}

* /Face-saving is not helped by too many invented excuses./

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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	See also »
	face [face] See: BLUE IN THE FACE, CUT OFF ONE'S NOSE TO SPITE ONE'S FACE, FLY ... A Dictionary of American Idioms face-to-face [face-to-face] {adv. phr.} 1. With your face looking toward the face of another person; each ... A Dictionary of American Idioms face-saver [face-saver], [face-saving] See: SAVE FACE. A Dictionary of American Idioms in the face of [in the face of] {adv. phr.} 1. When met or in the presence of; threatened ... A Dictionary of American Idioms in one's face [in one's face] {adv. phr.} 1. Against your face. * /The trick cigar blew up ... A Dictionary of American Idioms face-to-face [face-to-face] {adj.} Being in the presence of a person; being right with someone. * /The ... A Dictionary of American Idioms lose face [lose face] {v.} To be embarrassed or shamed by an error or failure; lose dignity, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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