save

save (one's) face

To try to regain favorable standing after something embarrassing has happened; to give or afford someone an opportunity to avoid embarrassment, humiliation, or shame. I tried to offer an explanation that incorporated elements of what he'd said as a means of saving his face after such an awkward presentation. There's no way for Audrey to save her face now that the entire company knows she embezzled money.
See also: face, save

save face

To try to regain favorable standing after something embarrassing has happened. I was late to the meeting but tried to save face by blaming an urgent call. There's no way for Audrey to save face now that the entire company knows she embezzled money.
See also: face, save

save for (someone or something)

1. To put money aside for some particular purpose or purchase in the future. We need to start saving for a new car. I've always made a point of saving for unforeseen emergencies.
2. To put something aside or keep something in reserve for someone or for a future use. A noun or pronoun is used between "save" and "for." I know you wanted to be here on Thanksgiving, so I saved some turkey and pumpkin pie for you. The coach seems to be saving his best players for the second half of the game.
3. With the exception of something. Save for one breakout success no one saw coming, the director's films have all been commercial failures. My entire department is just a bunch of idiots! Well, save for Janet—she's all right.
See also: save

save up (for something)

To put aside money in small increments in order to accumulate savings (typically to be able to buy something). We'll have to save up if we want to take that vacation to Greece next summer. I've stopped eating out at restaurants so I can save up for a new car.
See also: save, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

save (up) (for something)

to accumulate money in order to buy something. I can't buy a car because I am saving up for college. I don't have the money now, but I am saving up.

Save

(one's) face Fig. to preserve one's good standing, pride, or high position (after a failure). The ambassador was more interested in saving his face than winning the argument. Most diplomats are concerned with saving face.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See:
  • a penny saved is a penny earned
  • a penny saved is a penny gained
  • a prophet is not without honor save in his own country
  • a stitch in time (saves nine)
  • can't (do something) to save (one's) life
  • can't do something to save your life
  • couldn't (do something) to save (one's) life
  • God save the King/Queen
  • in the nick of time
  • penny saved is a penny earned
  • penny saved is a penny earned, a
  • prophet is not without honor save in his own country
  • rainy day, a
  • Save
  • save (an amount of) (money) on (something)
  • save (one's) bacon
  • save (one's) blushes
  • save (one's) breath
  • save (one's) face
  • save (one's) hide
  • save (one's) neck
  • save (one's) own bacon
  • save (one's) own hide
  • save (one's) own neck
  • save (one's) own skin
  • save (one's) skin
  • save (oneself) for marriage
  • save (something) as (something else)
  • save (something) for a rainy day
  • save (something) for another time/day/week/etc.
  • save a bundle
  • save breath
  • save down
  • save face
  • save face, to
  • save for
  • save for (someone or something)
  • save for a rainy day
  • save for a rainy day, to
  • save from
  • save from (someone or something)
  • save it
  • save it for the judge
  • Save it!
  • save money up
  • save money up (for something)
  • save on
  • save one's bacon
  • save one's breath
  • save one's skin, to
  • save oneself
  • save room (for something)
  • save skin
  • save somebody's bacon
  • save somebody's/your neck/skin/hide
  • save someone's bacon
  • save someone's face
  • save someone's neck
  • save someone's skin
  • save the day
  • save the day/situation
  • save time
  • save toward
  • save toward (something)
  • save up
  • save up (for something)
  • save versus (something)
  • save your breath
  • save your skin
  • save, keep, etc. it for a rainy day
  • save/spare somebody's blushes
  • saved by the bell
  • scrimp and save
  • skimp and save
  • spare someone's blushes
  • stitch in time saves nine
  • stitch in time saves nine, a
  • stitch in time, a
  • to save (one's) life
  • to save life
  • to save one's life
  • to save your life
  • you saved the day
References in periodicals archive
Now click on Tools, General Options, opening the Save Options dialog box (exhibit 8, page 64) where you can enter a password.
Collaborate on spreadsheets: how to share Excel files with others on your network
Don't talk so much If the average mobile phone call costs 25p and a text is 10p, save by texting instead of talking two or three times a day.
Mail Money: My pounds 300 gift to readers; Well, YOU have to do a bit of work too
When I recognize Jesus as Savior, I have to remember he comes not only to save individuals, not only to save the community of his followers, but also to save the world.
He saves me
They also save by shopping for clothing and home accessories over the Internet.
The sisters who save: Patricia and Regenia Washington prove that pooling financial resources pays big dividends. (Black Wealth Initiative)
Were PS16.35, now PS12.24 SAVE: PS4.11 Fish tank ornaments eg small Nemo, Pets at Home.
Pamper your pet; Looking after a furry, feathered or fishy friend can be expensive so check out these grrr-eat deals
Slimming World Vegetable Dhal (550g), Iceland, PS3 or two for PS5 SAVE: PS1
Takeawaya bargain tonight! on the money CASH QUEENS WITH RUKI SAYID AND TRICIA PHILLIPS Brilliant money-saving tips and deals to make your cash go furtherA dozen deals for sipping and snacking
Splurge: Rien Poortvliet garden gnome with fishing rod, Bakker.com, PS25.95 Save: Vivid Arts playful fishing gnome, amazon.co.uk, PS12.28 SAVE: PS13.67
Sizzling summer savings; Keep your cool and cash in on some bargains for your home
SAVE: PS1.50 Hozelock hose box with 20m hose, Robert Dyas.
Everything is coming up roses; WITH THE THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW ON THIS WEEK, THERE'S NO BETTER TIME TO SORT OUT YOUR PLOT. AND THERE'S NO NEED TO DIG DEEP AS WE HAVE UNEARTHED THE BEST BARGAINS AROUND
"No matter how much you make or how little you make, you've got to save a percentage."
A lifetime of giving: Matel Dawson Jr. saved so that others could benefit. (Black Wealth Initiative)
SAVE: PS2 kit Salter multipurpose 3-blade fruit and vegetable spiralizer, Robert Dyas, was PS19.99, now PS9.99.
Ready, steady, bake! Avoid getting your fingers burned when buying baking essentials with our fab deals
But to save the usual panic on the big day, here are 30 essentials that are easy to forget.
Last minute Christmas panic buys.. sorted! on the money WITH RUKI SAYID AND TRICIA PHILLIPS Brilliant money-saving tips and deals to make your cash go further CASH QUEENS
SAVE: PS25 Stanford Home novelty cow hot water bottle, Sports Direct.
Snuggle up with these bargains... The nights are getting colder and darker so it's time to wrap up and keep warm with these brilliant buys
Per Una green fig glass candle, Marks & Spencer, was PS15, now PS5.49 SAVE: PS9.51
SUMMER SAVERS We are halfway through the season and the weather has; We are halfway through the season and the weather has not always been kind but we have 25 summer deals to put a smile on your face. From bits for the home and through to must-have gadgets and toys to keep the kids occupied during the school holidays, they are all here FASHION KNICK KNACKS ACCESSORIES GADGETS TOYS
SAVE: PS10 6 Jet off from Manchester on Thurs (Aug 29) with Airtours for seven nights all-inclusive in Majorca and save PS147 per booking (based on three adults sharing).
50 sizzling summer savers
"I save for particular things," says Campbell, who is now saving tuition for his college-bound daughter.
Not just for a rainy day: getting African Americans to start saving one dollar at a time. (Buying Power)