save someone's face: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  WorldwideUSUKneutralidiomatic
  • Allow or help another person to avoid public humiliation or loss of reputation; protect another person's dignity or social standing.

  Examples

  Beta

  • When Laura tripped on stage, her friend quickly helped her up to save her face in front of the audience.

    Cuando Laura tropezó en el escenario, su amiga la ayudó rápidamente a levantarse para salvarle la cara frente al público.

  • I didn't want to embarrass him during the meeting, so I changed the topic to save his face.

    No quería avergonzarlo durante la reunión, así que cambié el tema para salvarle la cara.

  • If you apologize sincerely, it might help save your boss's face after the project's failure.

    Si te disculpas sinceramente, podría ayudar a salvar la cara de tu jefe después del fracaso del proyecto.