1. save face - Verb
2. save face - Phrase
save face (third-person singular simple present saves face, present participle saving face, simple past and past participle saved face)
(intransitive) To take an action or make a gesture intended to preserve one's reputation or honour.
He tried to make reparations to those he had injured, partly to save face.
Because the truth is that gossip is as good as gospel in this town. You can save face but you won't ever save your soul. And that's a fact. Conor Oberst
When you can't save yourself or your heart, it helps to be able to save face. Sarah Dessen
Neither gender is routinely more jealous - although women are more willing to work to win back a lover, while men tend to flaunt their money and status and are more likely to walk out to protect their self-esteem or save face. Helen Fisher
Isn't the best way to save face to keep the lower part shut. Steven Wright
Dave Gettleman is likely to keep Williams by any means necessary, and the worst possible scenario remains to overpay him before free agency officially opens to save face. Source: Internet
“I just think it goes to show that Campus Life is gonna do anything to save face, even if it’s backtracking on statements and contradicting what they said,” Regan said. Source: Internet