save face

USAGE SUMMARY

"save face" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an attempt to maintain one's reputation, usually by avoiding embarrassment in a situation. For example: "In order to save face, she feigned ignorance when the mistake was pointed out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can I save face?

The New York Times

Just enough to save face.

The Guardian - Sport

People want to save face".

The New York Times - Sports

"I did it to save face".

The Guardian

Lies to save face, I thought.

The Guardian

"Both sides want to save face".

The New York Times

And I ate one, to save face.

The New Yorker

Elsewhere, Passarella attempted to save face.

The Guardian - Sport

But that's meaningless — just an attempt to save face.

The New Yorker

That would leave Ms. Rosenfeld fighting to save face.

The New York Times

Here, that is the true way to save face".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "save face" when you want to describe actions taken to protect someone's reputation or avoid humiliation. It's particularly useful in situations involving mistakes, failures, or public scrutiny.

Common error

Don't use "save face" when the goal is to genuinely apologize and take responsibility for wrongdoing. While attempting to "save face" might involve damage control, it shouldn't replace sincere remorse or corrective actions.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "save face" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of attempting to preserve one's reputation or avoid embarrassment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a recognized and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "save face" is a very common idiomatic expression used to describe actions taken to protect one's reputation or avoid embarrassment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the expression conveys a strategic effort to mitigate damage to one's image. When using "save face", ensure it aligns with a genuine attempt to manage a situation and not to avoid accountability for wrongdoing. Alternatives include "preserve one's image" or "protect one's reputation", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect one's reputation

Highlights the act of shielding one's good name.

preserve one's image

Focuses on maintaining a positive public perception.

avoid embarrassment

Emphasizes the act of steering clear of humiliation.

salvage one's pride

Highlights the act of rescuing one's self-esteem from damage.

maintain dignity

Stresses upholding one's self-respect in a difficult situation.

avert disgrace

Focuses on preventing dishonor or shame.

uphold appearances

Focuses on maintaining a presentable exterior.

keep up appearances

Similar to 'uphold appearances', but suggests an ongoing effort.

soften the blow

Refers to easing the impact of a negative situation.

mitigate damage

Focuses on reducing the negative consequences of an action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "save face" in a sentence?

You can use "save face" in sentences like: "The politician tried to "save face" after the scandal broke", or "The company issued a statement to "save face" with its customers".

What does it mean to help someone "save face"?

Helping someone "save face" means assisting them in maintaining their dignity and reputation, especially after a mistake or embarrassing situation. This could involve offering them a way to explain their actions or providing support to mitigate the negative consequences.

Are there situations where trying to "save face" is inappropriate?

Yes, attempting to "save face" can be inappropriate when it avoids taking responsibility for genuine wrongdoing. A sincere apology and commitment to rectify the situation are more appropriate than merely trying to protect one's reputation in such cases.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "save face"?

Alternatives to "save face" include phrases like "preserve one's image", "protect one's reputation", or "avoid embarrassment depending on the context".