lose face

L

lose face (idiom, metaphor)
/luːz feɪs/

Meanings

• To suffer embarrassment or humiliation in front of others.
• To lose respect, honor, or social standing.
• To appear weak, foolish, or incompetent publicly.
• To damage one’s reputation because of failure or mistake.

Synonyms: be humiliated; be embarrassed; suffer disgrace; lose dignity; lose respect; be shamed; be dishonored.

Example Sentences

1. He refused to admit his mistake because he didn’t want to lose face in front of his coworkers.
2. The manager lost face after promising results that the company failed to deliver.
3. She thought she would lose face if she asked for help during the presentation.
4. The athlete lost face when he blamed others for his poor performance.

Etymology and Origin

The idiom “lose face” is derived from a direct translation of Chinese expressions that literally convey the idea of diminishing one’s social standing or prestige. This linguistic borrowing reflects a concept where personal reputation and public perception are paramount, leading to the adoption of the phrase in English to describe humiliation or loss of respect.

The etymology highlights how such idiomatic transfers occur when cultural notions are rendered into another language, preserving the metaphorical emphasis on facial representation as a symbol of dignity.

Cultural and Historical Context

In its foundational beliefs, the expression embodies a deep-seated value in certain societies where maintaining social harmony and avoiding public disgrace are central to interpersonal dynamics. Historically, this notion has been tied to traditions emphasizing collective respect and individual honor, influencing behaviors to prevent any actions that might erode one’s standing among peers.

Over time, the phrase evolved to encapsulate broader ideas of embarrassment in various contexts, spreading beyond its original cultural boundaries through interactions in trade and diplomacy during the 19th century.

Emergence in English Usage

The idiom first appeared in English within communities interacting closely with Asian cultures, particularly during periods of colonial and commercial engagement in the region. It gained traction as a way to articulate observations of social customs that prioritized avoiding disgrace, eventually becoming integrated into broader English vernacular by the late 1800s.

This adoption marked a shift where the phrase described not only specific cultural practices but also universal experiences of reputational harm, illustrating how cross-cultural exchanges shape language.

Country of Initial Appearance

The phrase originated conceptually in China, where the underlying ideas of preserving dignity and avoiding shame are deeply ingrained in societal norms.

However, its initial appearance in English form occurred among English-speaking expatriates and traders operating within Chinese territories, blending local customs with Western linguistic expression. This hybrid emergence underscores the role of intercultural contact in the dissemination of idiomatic language.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest documented use of “lose face” in print dates to 1835, appearing in an English-language periodical published in China. In this instance, the phrase was employed to critique governmental actions, stating that “the government has lost face in the eyes of all the people.” This record reflects early observations by foreign residents of local social dynamics, capturing the idiom’s transition into written English discourse.

Variants

• lose face over something
• lose face in front of someone
• save face
• face-saving
• save one’s face

Behavior, Failure, Problem, Social