Wiktionary
vb. (context idiomatic English) To take an action or make a gesture intended to preserve one's reputation or honour.
Usage examples of "save face".
If he got it to us quietly and it seemed to come from our side, he could save face with her as well as buying peace with us.
It gives you a lot more room to save face to have your father do it.
Flowing clothes obscured all skin save face and hands, which were the color of milk-rich fudge.
Also, avoid feeling competitive and that you must come out on top or get some concession to save face.
He had altered the story for a reason, not to save face for Quark.
I'm here to give you the opportunity to save face, not to mention thousands of lives.
Some were caused by greed, ambition, fear, envy, desire to save face or downright stupidity.
Small Spot signed, gesturing it closer, clearly grateful for the chance to save face.
Bell did not really have any particular opinion on the subject but he wanted to save face.
Seems to me that Atvar wants to do something that would let him save face with his own people but doesn’.