lose 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.

But the dad wasn't prepared to lose face.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2025

"What advantage is there to making someone lose face, unless that is your objective."

From Reuters • Jul. 24, 2023

“Where does he find a way out? Where does he find himself where he does not only lose face but significant power?”

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2022

“I think North Korea will declare a victory over the pandemic a bit later. It would lose face if it proclaimed victory too soon and new patients cropped up afterwards,” Nam said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2022

Shirley would have preferred to study the problem some more, but was afraid to protest and lose face for her captain.

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord