save face

简 繁

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English:

save

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Singlish / english:

lose face

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General chinese:

面子

pinyin:

miàn zi

expand for details Detailed etymology

definitions

verb

  1. to preserve one's dignity or reputation; to spare from embarrassment or disgrace

    2. Keeping the South China Sea issue out of ASEAN discussions may help China to save face, but this diplomatic victory comes at the high strategic cost of driving the claimant states closer to the US and Japan.

    — 2016 April 27, Tang Siew Mun. Today, "China’s dangerous divide and conquer game with ASEAN". p.16

    I think Singaporeans need to be told off when caught in the act; since we all love to "save face" in public, this method works best.

    — 2007 January 5, Carmen Teoh-Tang. Today, "DON'T GIVE THEM 'FACE'". p.23


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face lose face give face show face1 show face2 sia suay lau khui maluate lao khui