Search
to lose face
01
to do something that causes others to have less respect for one
What is the origin of the idiom "lose face" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "lose face" is rooted in East Asian cultures, where "face" refers to one's social standing and reputation. In these cultures, losing face can have significant social consequences, leading to shame, embarrassment, and loss of respect. The phrase has since been adopted into English and is commonly used to describe any situation where someone experiences a loss of respect or prestige, whether it's in a personal or professional context.
Example
The company lost face when their highly publicized product launch failed to meet expectations.
The politician lost face after being caught in a scandal, causing their once-loyal supporters to turn against them.
Nearby Words