What is "loss of face"

Usage examples of "loss of face".

It certainly would have prevented certain frictions created by the black eye the major had inflicted on Hake and his consequent loss of face.

The necessity of returning stolen goods would be the greatest loss of face he had ever suffered.

If Sillek refuses to conquer them, then he faces dissatisfaction here in Lornth, and possible greater loss of face and lands if Lord Karthanos takes matters even more into his hands.

Wild horses weren't going to shift him off that veranda until the temperature outside dropped by at least twenty degrees, but there was the problem of conveying this message to Inspector What's-his-name without too much loss of face.

With so much at stake-a promotion that was obviously of great significance to him and a potential loss of face-she could tell that he did not want to take the wager.

Pique, curiosity, and potential loss of face all entered into his decision.

The point was that the decision could be made vicariously, relieving the leaders of the onus of loss of face.

I could see him weighing the loss of face against the loss of someone special.

Now Tecuma of the Anasati dared not take the girl's suggestion without severe loss of face, for clearly her efforts suggested something was amiss.

NowTecuma of the Anasati dared not take the girl's suggestion withoutsevere loss of face, for clearly her efforts suggested something wasamiss.

One unexpected consequence of the loss of face (so to speak) was that within the society of islanders, all jealousy was eliminated.

He saw her thinking about it carefully, a chance of losing a million pounds against a minimal loss of face, and he sighed silently with relief when she shrugged.