face-saving

UK/'feis,seiviŋ/US/'feis,seiviŋ/

Definitions

adj.

Intended to preserve one's dignity or reputation

保全面子的，顾全体面的

Root Breakdown

Root-derived

facemake, do

-connector

savingcontinuous / action of

=face-saving

face (here in the figurative sense of 'dignity, public standing') + saving: preserving one's reputation. 'Face' as social standing is a vivid extension of faciēs (the front you show the world).

Root fac still carries 273 more words

Common Collocations

1.face-saving compromise保全面子的妥协
2.face-saving gesture保全体面的姿态
3.face-saving way out保全面子的台阶

Example Sentences

1.
Both sides sought a face-saving compromise.
2.
The apology was just a face-saving gesture.

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