Done in a way that allows someone to maintain their dignity, reputation, or pride despite a failure or embarrassment; preserving one's honor.
From 'face' (in the sense of honor or dignity, from Chinese concept of 'mianzi') plus 'saving'. Became common in English after increased contact with East Asian cultures in the 19th-20th centuries.
The concept of 'saving face' comes from Chinese philosophy where your reputation is as vital as air—when English speakers borrowed this idea, it revealed that shame and honor work basically the same way across all cultures!
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