face-saver

[ feys-sey-ver ]
/ ˈfeɪsˌseɪ vər /

noun

something that saves one's prestige or dignity: Allow him the face-saver of resigning instead of being fired.

Origin of face-saver

First recorded in 1940–45

OTHER WORDS FROM face-saver

face-sav·ing, noun, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for face-saver

face-saver

noun

something that serves to maintain the dignity or prestige of someone or something