save face

: to deliver from sin

: to rescue or deliver from danger or harm

: to preserve or guard from injury, destruction, or loss

: a play that prevents an opponent from scoring or winning

: the action of a relief pitcher in baseball in successfully protecting a team's lead

: other than : but, except

: except for the fact that : only

: but, except

: the front part of the head that in humans extends from the forehead to the chin and includes the mouth, nose, cheeks, and eyes

: the face as a means of identification : countenance

: presence, sight

: to confront impudently

: to line near the edge especially with a different material

: to cover the front or surface of