Example
“I could not keep a straight face when the toddler introduced the cat as his manager.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
lose face
Neutral · CEFR B2
lose other people's respect through public embarrassment or humiliation
keep up appearances
Neutral · CEFR B2
To preserve an outward impression that everything is normal or successful despite underlying trouble.
save face
Neutral · CEFR B2
to protect one's dignity or public reputation after embarrassment or failure
egg on your face
Informal · CEFR B2
to be embarrassed after being publicly wrong
keep the lights on
Neutral · CEFR B2
to do just enough work to keep a business running, without growth or improvement
keep the wolf from the door
Neutral · CEFR B2
to earn or manage just enough to avoid poverty, hunger, or serious hardship
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.