lose face

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the dad wasn't prepared to lose face.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2025

"What advantage is there to making someone lose face, unless that is your objective."

From Reuters • Jul. 24, 2023

“Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself where he does not only lose face but significant power?”

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2022

“I think North Korea will declare a victory over the pandemic a bit later. It would lose face if it proclaimed victory too soon and new patients cropped up afterwards,” Nam said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2022

He’d feel he was a weakling if he didn’t run; he’d lose face.

From "Homesick" by Jean Fritz