face–sav·ing 
/ˈfeɪsˌseɪvɪŋ/ adjective
always used before a noun /ˈfeɪsˌseɪvɪŋ/ adjective : done to keep someone from looking foolish
▪ a face-saving gesture ▪ They needed a face-saving way out of the confrontation. — see also save face at 1face
▪ a face-saving gesture ▪ They needed a face-saving way out of the confrontation. — see also save face at 1face
