In Persian we have a saying "صورت را با سیلی سرخ نگه داشتن" which literally translates to:

> 
> **To keep one's face red(warm) with slap**
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It's used in a situation in which a person, if poor or unfortunate, tries to uphold his/her outward appearance in a good way in order that others won't notice his/her (financial) issues.

**For example:**
Assume you see your close friend after some time and you realize he is wearing a nice perfume and has put on some flashy clothes. Here is the conversation:

> 
> **Alice**: Wow Bob! You're looking great. Your new job must have paid off!
> 
> 
> **Bob**: Thanks but not really, I'm just **keeping my face red with slap**.
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This suggests that although Bob has financial issues, he tries to maintain his appearance so that others wouldn't notice and his honor would be kept.

I tried searching for an English equivalent but nothing came up.
Is there a similar idiom/expression to describe this situation in English?