- To avoid humiliation or disgrace; to maintain one's dignity, reputation, or prestige, especially after a mistake, failure, or embarrassing situation.
Explanation
Origin
- A direct translation of a concept prominent in Chinese culture (diu lian 丢脸 lose face, liu mianzi 留面子 save face).
- The concept of face as personal honor/reputation exists in many cultures, but the specific phrasing entered English via descriptions of East Asian social dynamics in the 19th century. It emphasizes the social aspect of reputation.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Smooth it over. (Make a situation seem less serious or offensive)
- Do damage control. (Take action to minimize negative effects, often on reputation)
- Spin it. (Present information in a way that favors oneself)
Milder/Standard:
- Protect one's image.
- Mitigate reputational damage. (Formal)
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, informal to formal. Understood widely in discussions about social dynamics, politics, business, etc.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might take face literally. Explain it refers to abstract concepts like honor, dignity, and social standing/reputation.
- # THINKING, UNDERSTANDING & PROBLEM SOLVING
Examples
- The company offered a generous settlement to save face after the product defect was revealed.
- He tried to save face by pretending he meant to trip.
- Allowing him to resign quietly helped him save face.
Dialogue
Employee A: Why did the boss take the blame for the team's mistake?
Employee B: It was probably to save face for the whole department. Admitting the team messed up badly would look worse to upper management.
Employee A: Ah, right. Protecting the team's reputation, and his own as a leader.
Social Media Examples
- News Headline Analysis (Tweet): The politician's carefully worded apology seems like an attempt to save face rather than a genuine admission of wrongdoing. #politics #spin
- Forum comment: They recalled the product quickly to save face before the negative reviews spread too far. Smart PR move. #business #crisismanagement
Response Patterns
- That makes sense.
- It was an awkward situation.
- Reputation is important.
- Did it work? Did people buy it?
- It's sometimes necessary.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- People might discuss the specifics of the face-saving action (What exactly did they do?).
- They might discuss whether the attempt was successful.
- The person or entity involved proceeds with the action intended to preserve their reputation.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to explain motivations or actions in relation to preserving reputation.
Intonation
- Often spoken with a sense of understanding, discretion, or explaining a delicate maneuver.
- Stress usually on SAVE and FACE.
- Example: They needed to SAVE FACE.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.