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Meaning of save face | Babel Free

Verb CEFR B2

Definitions

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

idiomatic, intransitive

Equivalents

العربية حفظ ماء الوجه
Čeština zachránit tvář
Cymraeg safio'r wyneb
Deutsch das Gesicht wahren
Español aparentar guardar apariencias salvar apariencias serenarse
Suomi pelastaa kasvonsa
Français sauver la face
日本語 面目を保つ 顔を立てる 顔を立てる
Português livrar a cara
Русский сохрани́ть лицо́
ไทย รักษาหน้า ไว้หน้า

Examples

“He tried to make⟳ reparations to those he had injured, partly to save⟳ face⟳.”

CEFR level

B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
See all B2 English words →

See also

save for a rainy day save it save one's breath save one's breath to cool one's porridge save one's neck save one's skin

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