Английский словарь американских идиом - save face

{v. phr.} To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame. * /The policeman was caught accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was money owed to him./ * /Bill would not play in the game because he knew he could not do well and he wanted to save face./ * /The colonel who lost the battle saved face by showing his orders from the general./ Contrast: LOSE FACE. - face-saver {n.} * /The shop teacher's note was a face-saver when another teacher thought John and Bill were playing hookey in town./ - face-saving {adj.} * /The note was a face-saving idea./ - face-saving {n.} * /Face-saving is not helped by too many invented excuses./