спасать положение

• СПАСАТЬ/СПАСТИ ПОЛОЖЕНИЕ

[VP; subj: human; more often pfv past]

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⇒ to set right or smooth over a difficult, uncomfortable, tense etc situation or find a way of getting o.s. or another out of such a situation:

- X спас положение{{}}≈ X remedied the situation;

- X saved the day;

- [in limited contexts] X found (gave person Y) a way out (an escape hatch).

     ♦ В гостиной явно нарастало напряжение. Спорящие, казалось, готовы были броситься друг на друга, но тут вбежал плачущий ребенок, отвлек внимание и тем спас положение. The tension in the living room was clearly building. It seemed as if those arguing were about to lash out at one another, when suddenly a child ran in crying, diverting everyone's attention and thus saving the day.