Idiom meaning, usage examples, facts

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SAVE/LOSE FACE

to maintain/not maintain a degree of pride in a shameful situation
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1. The father lost face when his son was expelled from school. It was a poor reflection on the man’s ability to influence and control his family.
2. I knew that what I had done was wrong, but when I was discovered, I pretended that I hadn’t known it was wrong. That way I was able to save face.

Originally lose face was the direct translation of the Chinese saying ‘tiu lien. ’


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