save 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.
He becomes desperate to protect himself from it and tries to save face, saying “I guess I shouldn’t have had that last Cheez-It this morning.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
"Both sides need to be able to claim victory and save face, whatever deal they agree on," a diplomat based in the Middle East told AFP on condition of anonymity.
From Barron's ● Mar. 26, 2026
To save face with her fellow pensioners, Mrs. Palfrey passes off a struggling writer she meets on the street as her grandson, only to draw confusingly close to him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 19, 2025
This final is a chance to save face, to gain some kind of redemption.
From BBC ● Apr. 25, 2025
Dad could not lose this argument and save face.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
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