give face
The phrase "give face" is rooted in East Asian cultures, particularly in Chinese society, and is used to convey respect and maintain social harmony.
Definition
C1Social Dynamics
(idiomatic, cultural)To show respect or honor to someone, often by acknowledging their status or reputation.
Example
- In the meeting, he made sure to give face to his senior colleagues.
C1Interpersonal Relations
(idiomatic, cultural)To avoid causing someone embarrassment or loss of dignity, often by acting with discretion.
Example
- She decided to give face by not mentioning his mistake in front of everyone.
C2Slang
(slang, informal)To perform oral sex on a female.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "give face":
face cardbeat one's facebaby facegame facein someone's faceface to faceface timekiss upgive tongueshow oneselfin your facefront upface fungusin face of