saving 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.

In that scene from “Grease,” Danny excitedly greets his summer sweetheart Sandy, before quickly playing it too cool and aloof, saving face for his T-Birds greaser squad.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2025

But it wasn’t just saving face that compelled Seattle to pay handsomely to keep Williams.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

Our Chinese culture is full of stoicism and saving face.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2023

It is possible that Mr Musk is buying himself some time and saving face, ahead of a court case that many predicted he was unlikely to win.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2022

Now that our father can see a way of saving face, he’s almost amiable.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan