To suffer consequences for the sake of maintaining a false sense of dignity or pride; to put on a brave front and endure hardship.
他明明手头不宽裕，却非要请大家吃大餐，结果自己好几个月都省吃俭用，真是死要面子活受罪。
Even though he wasn't well-off, he insisted on treating everyone to a lavish meal, which resulted in him living frugally for several months. He truly suffered for the sake of appearances.
Era:
Modern
Frequency:
Next Idiom