saving face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "saving face" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of preserving one's dignity or reputation in a difficult situation. For example, "He tried to save face after making a mistake in the meeting." Alternative expressions include "maintaining dignity," "preserving reputation," and "avoiding embarrassment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Aberu means face — as in, saving face.

The New York Times

Perhaps it's about saving face.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the trio are just saving face.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes saving face matters as much as saving money.

The Economist

Koreans believe in saving face and restoring equilibrium instead.

The New York Times

Is Dre himself really remorseful or just saving face?

The Guardian - Music

Our priority should continue to be saving American lives, not saving face".

The New York Times

The P5+1 countries, for their part, now recognise the importance to Iran of saving face.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Last night his entire speech was about saving face--his own.

Huffington Post

In societies like Afghanistan, where saving-face means everything, megaphone diplomacy rarely works.

The New York Times

Basically 'saving face' and 'having face' are different.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "saving face" to explain actions that might seem illogical if viewed only from a rational perspective. It often explains decisions made to maintain relationships or avoid conflict rather than maximize efficiency or profit.

Common error

Avoid using "saving face" as a blanket excuse for poor decisions or unethical behavior. While it can explain motivations, it doesn't justify actions that cause harm or violate ethical standards. Ensure that the context warrants its use and that you're not excusing unacceptable conduct.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "saving face" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a gerund or object in a sentence. It refers to the act of avoiding embarrassment or humiliation, often in a social or professional context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-established in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "saving face" is a very common idiomatic expression used to describe the act of avoiding embarrassment or humiliation. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media, but also appears in Formal & Business and Academic settings. The phrase's function is to explain decisions aimed at preserving dignity and social standing. When employing "saving face", be aware of cultural nuances and avoid overusing it as a mere excuse for unethical conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserving one's image

Focuses on maintaining a positive external presentation.

protecting one's reputation

Emphasizes safeguarding one's good name and standing.

avoiding humiliation

Highlights the act of preventing embarrassment or shame.

maintaining dignity

Stresses upholding self-respect and composure.

upholding appearances

Concentrates on keeping up a certain outward impression.

salvaging one's pride

Highlights recovering from a potentially embarrassing situation.

averting disgrace

Emphasizes preventing dishonor or shame.

mitigating embarrassment

Focuses on lessening the impact of an awkward situation.

softening the blow

Highlights easing the negative consequences of an action.

handling the situation tactfully

Focuses on skillful management to avoid negative repercussions.

FAQs

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

You can use "saving face" to describe actions taken to preserve one's dignity or reputation, such as "The politician resigned to allow the party to "save face" after the scandal".

What does it mean to "save face"?

To "save face" means to avoid embarrassment or humiliation, or to help someone else do so. It often involves finding a way to maintain dignity in a difficult situation.

Are there cultural differences in the concept of "saving face"?

Yes, the importance and interpretation of "saving face" vary significantly across cultures. In some Asian cultures, it is a central concept in social interactions, while in Western cultures, it may be less emphasized.

What are some alternative phrases for "saving face"?

Alternatives include "preserving one's reputation", "avoiding humiliation", or "maintaining dignity", depending on the specific context.