IdiomBody & Senses
Polish
Polishstracić twarz
Meaning: To suffer a loss of respect, dignity, or social standing, especially through shame or failure.
Literally: To lose face
Example: “Minister nie chciał się wycofać, żeby nie stracić twarzy.” — The minister wouldn't back down for fear of losing face.
English equivalent: To lose face
Equivalents in other languages
English: lose face
Origin: From Chinese, through English: the idea of "face" as one's standing in other people's eyes came into English in the 19th century with lose face, a translation of a Chinese expression. Polish stracić twarz follows the English and means losing respect and dignity.
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