Lose face
Meaning
To be publicly humiliated or to suffer a loss of respect and dignity from others.
Origin
The intricate concept of "face," representing social standing, honor, and dignity, is a fundamental pillar of East Asian, especially Chinese, culture. When an individual's actions led to public embarrassment or a diminished reputation, they were said to have "lost face." Western diplomats and traders, engaging with China from the 19th century, grappled to understand and express this vital cultural dynamic. They found their solution in a direct translation: adopting the Chinese idiom "diu lian" (丢脸), meaning "to lose face," directly into English. This linguistic borrowing swiftly became an indispensable phrase, encapsulating the profound impact of a blow to one's public image and honor within the English-speaking world.
Examples
- After the company's disastrous product launch, the CEO was afraid he would lose face in front of the board and investors.
- She refused to back down from her controversial statement, even when proven wrong, because she didn't want to lose face.