save face
save one's good reputation，popu larity，or dignity when sth．has happened or may happen to hurt sb．保全名誉；保全面子
They gave him a choice of resign ing，to save face．他们给了他自动辞职的机会以保全他的面子。
I think it would be better if you admitted your mistake instead of trying to save face．我认为你还是认错的好，不要死要面子了。