1
general::
Phrase(s): save (one’s) face
Fig. to preserve one’s good standing, pride, or high position (after a failure). • The ambassador was more interested in saving his face than winning the argument. • Most diplomats are concerned with saving face.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Avoid humiliation or embarrassment, preserve dignity, as in Rather than fire him outright, they let him save face by accepting his resignation. The phrase, which uses face in the sense of "outward appearances," is modeled on the antonym LOSE FACE. [Late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms