save face
Avoid public embarrassment
Save face means to preserve one's dignity or reputation, especially after an embarrassing situation or defeat.
The phrase often appears in diplomatic or business contexts where parties need graceful exits: The compromise allowed both sides to save face.
To lose face is the opposite—suffering public humiliation or diminished standing.
Valuing one's own worth
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- prestigeReputation commanding admiration
status · self-esteem · self-worth · standing · stature · reputation · credibility · image
Loss of dignity
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- disgraceLoss of honor
- mortificationIntense shame or embarrassment
- chagrinDistress from wounded pride
awkwardness · discomfort · blush · faux pas · gaffe · blunder · mishap · stumble
Offered reason for wrongdoing
- deflectionChange in trajectory
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- cover storyFalse explanation for actions
- white lieHarmless minor falsehood
rationalization · justification · explanation · damage control · backpedaling · graceful exit · smooth over · gloss over
Sensitivity in speech
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
civility · propriety · decency · diplomacy · sensitivity · consideration · deference · respect
self-respect
Valuing one's own worth
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
prestige · status · self-esteem · self-worth · standing · stature · reputation · credibility · image · esteem
humiliation
Loss of dignity
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- disgraceLoss of honor
- mortificationIntense shame or embarrassment
chagrin · awkwardness · discomfort · blush · faux pas · gaffe · blunder · mishap · stumble · indignity
excuse
Offered reason for wrongdoing
- deflectionChange in trajectory
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- cover storyFalse explanation for actions
white lie · rationalization · justification · explanation · damage control · backpedaling · graceful exit · smooth over · gloss over · downplay
tact
Sensitivity in speech
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
etiquette · civility · propriety · decency · diplomacy · sensitivity · consideration · deference · respect · accommodation
- East Asian Culturechopsticks, yin and yang, tea ceremony, origami, qi
- embarrassmentembarrassed, blush, humiliated, mortify, mortified