face-saving

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

face-saving
    adj 1: maintaining dignity or prestige; "a face-saving
           compromise"

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

face-saving \face-saving\ adj.
   1. allowing one to maintain one's dignity or prestige;
      designed to avoid admitting something embarrassing; as, a
      face-saving compromise; -- of actions.
      [WordNet 1.5]