save face

Meaning

1. save (sb's) face

   to avoid or help sb avoid embarrassment

   She was fired, but she saved face by telling everyone she'd resigned.

In the movies · 5

• Chapman hasn't changed. He's just trying to save face.422013
• Well, maybe he was just trying to save face then.The Craft1996
• Not in the face! Save yourself, carrot!Daddy Day Care2003
• You're not my Helen! I won't fight a war to save a face. We're done.The Lion in Winter1968
• What you're saying now is only to save your coward's face.Key Largo1948

From the same entry

• not be able to do to save your life
• save bacon
• save the day
• save your breath
• save your skin