saved face
Kept reputation intact
Saved face means preserved one's dignity or reputation after a potential embarrassment or defeat.
The expression comes from the concept of "face" as public standing—to lose face is to be humiliated, so saving face is avoiding that outcome: The compromise let both sides claim victory and saved face for the losing party.
Often the face-saving measure is more about appearances than substance.
- self-esteemOne's sense of worth
- ego boostSelf-esteem enhancer
- respectRegard with honor
- mutual respectTwo-way esteem between parties
- tactSensitivity in speech
dignity · damage control · white lie · compromise · de-escalation · graceful exit · diplomacy · strategic retreat · honor · symbolic gestures · decorum · pride · apology · self-worth · reputation · negotiation · self-image · social grace