顔かおが立たつ

expression, godan verb (-tsu)

save face; maintain one's honor or status

Used when someone avoids embarrassment or preserves their reputation in a social situation. Often appears in negative or conditional forms (e.g., 顔が立たない, 顔が立たなくなる).

• 彼かれが来きてくれないと、私わたしの顔かおが立たたない。

  If he doesn't come, I'll lose face.

• 上じょう司しの顔かおが立たつように、会かい議ぎでは彼かれの意い見けんを支し持じした。

  I supported my boss's opinion in the meeting so that he could save face.