save face; have the nerve; find acceptable
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to be able to show one's face; not feel embarrassed about losing face
Used in rhetorical questions or negative constructions to indicate whether someone can maintain their dignity in an embarrassing situation.
You're mocking him to his face—can he still show his face after that?
Being criticized in front of so many people, he really couldn't show his face.
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You have to leave some face for others so they can show their faces.
verb
to have the nerve; to be so bold as to; not feel embarrassed (to do something impolite)
Often used in rhetorical questions to express disbelief that someone could do something considered rude or inconsiderate.
She's treating you to dinner and you're not going—do you have the nerve?
They helped you so much—don't you feel embarrassed not to thank them?
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He had the nerve to ask to borrow money, but was too embarrassed to pay it back.
verb
to find acceptable; to make sense; to be workable; to get over (psychologically)
dialectRegional usage (dialect), indicating that an idea, plan, or reasoning is acceptable or that one can psychologically accept a situation.
This reasoning makes sense to me / I can accept this logic, so please don't worry.
Although this plan isn't perfect, I find it acceptable / it works for me, so it can be implemented.
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As long as you can accept it mentally / get over it psychologically, you'll feel better.