To lose face 👎😳

Meaning

To be humiliated or embarrassed, especially in a public way.

Origin

The concept of 'face' as a representation of social standing, honor, and prestige is deeply ingrained in many East Asian cultures. To 'lose face' means to suffer a loss of respect or dignity in the eyes of others, which can be a devastating social consequence. Imagine a proud merchant, renowned for his shrewd dealings, being publicly exposed for a costly mistake. His reputation, his 'face,' crumbles, leaving him disgraced and diminished in the community's regard. This powerful social dynamic, where public image is paramount, gave birth to this vivid idiom.

💪🙏 pride ⚖️✅ honesty ❌📉 failure 🗣️ communication 😥😔 sadness

To lose face represented with emoji👎😳

This playful display functions as a delightful rebus, challenging the viewer to decipher a common idiom through the whimsical language of pictograms. Note how the simple thumbs-down emoji, paired with an astonished face, captures the essence of public mortification, transforming a potentially awkward moment into a lighthearted visual puzzle.

Examples

  • He was afraid to admit his mistake for fear of losing face.
  • The politician didn't want to lose face, so he blamed his assistant.
  • If the wizard's spell backfired, he'd lose face in front of the whole dragon convention.
  • The king was worried he would lose face if his crown tumbled off during the royal parade.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'to lose face' an idiom or a proverb?

'''To lose face'' is an idiom. Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn''t deducible from the individual words, often carrying cultural connotations.

Similar to "to lose face"

To eat crow
Both phrases describe a humiliating admission of defeat or error, but 'to eat crow' specifically emphasizes the bitter swallowed pride and regret involved in admitting one was wrong, whereas 'to lose face' is broader, encompassing any public embarrassment
To be put in one's place
Both phrases deal with a fall from a perceived higher status or respect, but 'to be put in one's place' highlights an external agent actively diminishing someone, often by reminding them of their subordinate position
To feel small
Both phrases capture the feeling of diminished self-worth associated with public embarrassment, but 'to feel small' focuses on the internal, subjective experience of shame, rather than the social consequence of one's reputation being damaged

Opposite of "to lose face"

To hold one's head high
This phrase argues for maintaining dignity and self-respect in the face of adversity, suggesting that true strength lies in inner resilience rather than public perception, directly countering the fear of losing face
To cover oneself in glory
This champions the pursuit of honor and public acclaim, proposing that the ultimate goal is to enhance one's reputation and achieve public admiration, diametrically opposed to the dreaded outcome of public humiliation
To stand by one's principles
This advocates for unwavering commitment to one's beliefs, even if it leads to public disapproval or misunderstanding, arguing that integrity is more valuable than the validation of others and the fear of losing face

Related to "to lose face"

To save face
A direct parallel, 'to save face' is the act of preventing the humiliation implied by 'to lose face,' showing the constant social dance between maintaining and damaging one's public image
A black eye
This idiom refers to a specific instance that damages reputation or credibility, much like the event that would cause someone 'to lose face,' highlighting a mark left on one's public standing
To be publicly shamed
This phrase describes the exact outcome that 'to lose face' seeks to avoid, emphasizing the collective judgment and disapproval that define the experience of diminished social standing
To throw someone under the bus
This action, often done to protect oneself, can cause the victim to 'lose face' by appearing culpable or disloyal, linking the act of betrayal to the consequence of public embarrassment