save 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.
Bailey says he and his team were careful to allow ministers to "save face", altering the wording of their proposal so the government didn't look like it had climbed down.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
He becomes desperate to protect himself from it and tries to save face, saying “I guess I shouldn’t have had that last Cheez-It this morning.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
Since huge numbers left as he was mid-speech at the opening celebration, this seems an unwise way to save face.
From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026
"Both sides need to be able to claim victory and save face, whatever deal they agree on," a diplomat based in the Middle East told AFP on condition of anonymity.
From Barron's ● Mar. 26, 2026
There were only a few things that could help us save face, and that included keeping a nice house and looking our best.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
