Idiom: Lose face / Save face

1. "Lose face"

Meaning

  • To become less respected by others or to lose someone's reputation.
  • If you lose face, you do something which makes you appear weak and makes people respect or admire you less.


Example Sentences

  • She had to accept defeat without losing face.
  • His terrible performance in the debate caused him to lose face with the voters.
  • John is more afraid of losing face than losing money. 
  • Things will go better if you can explain to him where he was wrong without making him lose face.
  • Terry lost face when his assistant was promoted and became his boss.
  • You made him look bad. He lost face in front of his crew.
  • The government can’t agree to the changes without losing face.
  • He thinks he would lose face if he admitted the mistake.
  • You'll lose face if you don't keep your promise.


2. "Save face"

Meaning

  • To keep your reputation and avoid others losing respect for you.
  • If you do something in order to save face, you do it in order to avoid appearing weak and losing people's respect or admiration.


Example Sentences

  • We said he left "to pursue other interests" to let him save face, but actually we fired him.
  • She claimed they'd been in love, but I sensed she was only saying this to save face.
  • He tried to save face by apologizing but everyone was too angry with him to care.
  • He tried to save face by working overtime.
  • Telling the truth to your parents about your failing grades will help you save face.
  • What can I do to save face? I don't want my children to think they can't trust me.
  • They keep the pregnancy secret in order to save face .
  • In international diplomacy, it's often important to allow other countries to find a way to save face in order to successfully conclude negotiations or avoid major conflicts.


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