save face

Verb

intransitive

(intransitive) To take an action or make a gesture intended to preserve one's reputation or honour.

Japanese Meaning

体面を保つための行動を取る / 面目を保つための措置を講じる / 名誉や尊厳を守るための措置を講じる

To save face, she offered a vague apology and quickly changed the subject.

面目を保つために、彼女は曖昧な謝罪をしてすぐに話題を変えた。

Sense（1）

(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.

saves face

（ present singular third-person ）

saving face

（ participle present ）

saved face

（ participle past ）

saved face

（ past ）