not have the face (to do something)

not have the face (to do something)

old-fashioned To lack the courage or conviction (to do something). I really liked him, but I didn't have the face to ask for his number. Our politicians don't have the face to stand up to big lobbies and corporations when they're writing laws.See also: face, have, not

not have the face

BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONEDIf you don't have the face to do something, you are too nervous or embarrassed to do it. You wouldn't lend me a couple of quid, would you? I haven't the face to borrow off Michael.See also: face, have, not