save face

phrase

: to avoid having other people lose respect for oneself
He tried to save face by working overtime.

Examples of save face in a Sentence

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This information was not made public, likely to save face and for operational security. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Ellison wants the attorneys general to agree to hash out a settlement that would presumably let both sides save face — and close the deal before the case goes to trial in March 2027. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 The acquisition had been arranged, according to a person familiar with the deal, largely to help Altman save face. — Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 Groups like his have accused the government for years of trying to disappear the disappeared to save face on an international stage. — ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for save face

Rhymes for save face

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Browse Nearby Words

saved
save face
save for
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Cite this Entry

“Save face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/save%20face. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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