save face
if you do something to save face, you do it so that people will not lose their respect for you

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

save face
to do something so that people will continue to respect you.
Are the ministers involved more interested in saving face than telling the truth?

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

save face
to preserve one's good reputation or dignity when something has happened to hurt it
Our boss was very embarrassed when our company lost a lot of money. However, he was able to save face when he showed that the problems were outside of his control.

The government was unable to save face after they failed to deal with the crisis properly.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

save face
v. phr. To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame.
The policeman was caught accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was money owed to him.
Bill would not play in the game because he knew he could not do well and he wanted to save face.
The colonel who lost the battle saved face by showing his orders from the general.
Antonym: LOSE FACE. -

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲