# save face

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/save-face
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To take an action or make a gesture intended to preserve one's reputation or honour.

## Examples

- He apologized to save face after his mistake.
- She offered a polite excuse for her late arrival to save face in front of her boss.
- The politician resigned quietly to save face, hoping to avoid a public scandal that would ruin his long career.

## Origin

See lose face.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.