To show respect or grant a favor, not for the sake of the person directly involved, but for the sake of a third party or a more influential connection they represent.
这次项目出了问题，你不看金面看佛面，也要考虑一下我们部门主任的面子，手下留情吧。
This project ran into trouble; if you don't consider our direct appeal, at least show some leniency for the sake of our department head.
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