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

Had he lied— invented an excuse to explain Anna May’s absence so he could save face?

From Literature

But my mom wasn’t trying to save face in front of the nurses; she lied for their benefit.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

It’s only when everyday people kick up enough fuss that they attempt to save face.

From Salon