face-saver

The universal tendency to see paternal resemblance in the baby is a lifesaver for infants because it's a face-saver for men in the event that they aren't really the father.

The Plight of the Pregnant Man Jena Pincott 2011

He implacably refused to take part in the opening ceremony his Faust was not suitable, so the objection to the new theatre proved an invaluable face-saver.

A stage of her own: Elisabeth Scott and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre 2011

The ruling Congress party is keen to push through the food security law, which it sees as a face-saver after being battered by corruption charges.

India Minister: Tough To Implement Food Security Law Rajesh Roy 2012

By refusing to negotiate a face-saver, the Democrats blew it, in Mickey's eyes:

No retreat for Gov. Scott Walker 2011

But the plan to highjack the actual UN negotiations, where every word is debated tediously, by bringing in heads of states to come up with a last minute half-deal, which could also be a face-saver for host Mexico, has not gone down well with India.

Cancún climate summit - opening day live coverage Damian Carrington 2010

Clearly Mamata is looking for a face-saver knowing very well that if Tata Motors had to leave Bengal, all her electoral gains in recent polls would go ashtray and the Bengali Middle Class - which is the chief motivating force in Bengal politics - would hold her perpetually responsible for Industrial failure in Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee Reverses Gear on Tata Motors After Life Threat 2008

"If they want to pursue our offers to negotiate, they now have the perfect face-saver," said a U.S. official.

Bush Engages Foreign Foes 2007

But, having raised the temperature on the rebate, he can then offer Blair a face-saver.

It's not rocket science Richard 2005

As a face-saver the telephone call was misconceived, for a little note from Lucy was already in the post for me.

The Complete Stories Waugh, Evelyn 1998

Briefing journalists and diplomats, Mr Sparks said an impartial international monitoring team would be a face-saver for the South African parties in resumed negotiations.

ANC Daily News Briefing 1992