face-saving statement
[/feɪs ˈseɪvɪŋ ˈsteɪtmənt/]
nounpl: face-saving statements
declaração para salvar a face
1. A statement or remark made to preserve one's dignity, reputation, or honor, especially after a mistake, failure, or embarrassing situation
After losing the debate, the politician issued a face-saving statement claiming he had made his main points effectively.
Após perder o debate, o político fez uma declaração para salvar a face afirmando que tinha apresentado seus pontos principais de forma eficaz.
2. A diplomatic or carefully worded comment designed to allow someone to withdraw from a position without appearing weak or defeated
The company's face-saving statement acknowledged concerns while avoiding direct admission of wrongdoing.
A declaração para salvar a face da empresa reconheceu as preocupações sem admitir diretamente qualquer delito.
The concept of face-saving is particularly important in hierarchical and formal contexts in Brazilian business culture. This term reflects the universal human need to maintain dignity and social standing, with particular cultural weight in Asian cultures where 'face' holds profound significance. In American contexts, face-saving statements are common in politics and corporate communications as a form of public relations strategy.
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