saves face
Avoids public humiliation
Saves face means to preserve one's dignity or reputation, especially after an embarrassing situation or potential humiliation.
The phrase comes from Chinese concepts of social honor.
Someone might accept a compromise that saves face for both parties, or spin a failure in a way that saves face with colleagues.
The opposite is to lose face.
- honor codesFormal integrity agreements
- respectRegard with honor
- self-esteemOne's sense of worth
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
- public perceptionCollective societal viewpoint
public image · image management · diplomacy · discretion · white lie · damage control · graceful exit · back down · ego defense · hierarchy · collectivism · pride · emotional intelligence · dignity · social standing · etiquette · tact · honor