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.

"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

To save face with her fellow pensioners, Mrs. Palfrey passes off a struggling writer she meets on the street as her grandson, only to draw confusingly close to him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Enough canceled flights could annoy members of Congress so much, on a personal level, that they get into a bipartisan dealmaking spirit that allows everyone to save face.

From Slate • Nov. 7, 2025

"Even if the administration wanted to step back, how does it save face in a way that is mutually acceptable to all the relevant players?" he said.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2025

She argued a little with Sebastian Gomez to save face, but she almost immediately accepted the proposal that Miguel should go out with a white flag to parley with the police.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende