PhrasesHub

Save face

    Definitions

      • preserve one's reputation or dignity
        To avoid humiliation or embarrassment by maintaining a positive image in front of others

      • avoid losing a position or status
        To maintain a position of power or respect by avoiding any actions that may lead to a loss of authority or influence

    Examples of Save face

    • After losing the game, the coach suggested that they had played well and just came up short, in order to save face.

      The idiom "save face" refers to preserving one's reputation or avoiding losing respect in a social situation. In this example, the coach didn't want to admit that his team had played poorly, so he saved face by making a positive statement instead.

    • The politician apologized for his mistake, but he didn't want to admit that he had been wrong. Instead, he tried to save face by saying that he had made a misunderstanding.

      In this example, the politician was trying to preserve his reputation by downplaying the severity of his mistake. By saying that it was a misunderstanding, he was trying to avoid admitting that he had been wrong and losing face.

    • The CEO announced a new strategy, even though it was risky and might not work. He knew that he had to save face in front of his investors, so he took the gamble.

      In this example, the CEO was trying to preserve his reputation by appearing confident and decisive. By announcing a new strategy, he was trying to save face and avoid looking indecisive or uncertain in front of his investors.

    • The athlete lost the competition, but he didn't want to admit that his opponent was better. Instead, he tried to save face by saying that he had been unlucky or that the conditions weren't ideal.

      In this example, the athlete was trying to preserve his reputation by downplaying the severity of his loss. By saying that he had been unlucky or that the conditions weren't ideal, he was trying to avoid admitting that his opponent was better and losing face.

    • The politician faced a scandal, but he didn't want to admit that he had done anything wrong. Instead, he tried to save face by saying that he had been misunderstood or that the accusations were false.

      In this example, the politician was trying to preserve his reputation by avoiding admitting wrongdoing. By saying that he had been misunderstood or that the accusations were false, he was trying to save face and avoid losing respect in the public eye.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "save face" is used to describe the act of preserving one's reputation, dignity, or position. It is often used in situations where someone may be at risk of experiencing humiliation, embarrassment, or loss of status. By "saving face," individuals aim to maintain a positive image and avoid any negative consequences.

    This idiom is commonly used in social and professional settings, where one's reputation and image are important. It can be applied to a variety of situations, such as avoiding a public apology, maintaining a sense of authority in a disagreement, or salvaging a damaged relationship.

    Origin of "Save face"

    The origin of the idiom "save face" can be traced back to Chinese culture. In Chinese society, maintaining harmony and avoiding public embarrassment is highly valued. Therefore, the concept of "face" or "mianzi" is important, which refers to one's reputation, dignity, and social status. The phrase "saving face" is a direct translation of the Chinese term "bao mian," which means to protect one's reputation.

    Over time, the idiom became popular in Western cultures as well, and it is now used in various contexts around the world. It is often associated with Asian cultures, but it has become a universal phrase used to describe the act of avoiding shame or preserving one's image.