damage control

plural damage controls

1. countableuncountableThe limiting of damage resulting from an action when damage cannot be avoided.
2. countableuncountablenauticalA department or group, as aboard a naval vessel, responsible for taking action to control damage caused by fire, collision, etc.
3. countableuncountablepublic relationsAny efforts, as by a company or organization, to curtail losses, counteract unfavorable publicity, etc.

   As news of the impending layoffs spread faster, the company finally began damage control.

   2 more examples

   Across receptions and fringe events at the Conservative conference in Birmingham, MPs welcomed the U-turn but hinted further damage control was needed.

   2022 October 3, “Tory MPs plot to avert welfare squeeze after humiliating U-turns”, in The Guardian

   The platform’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, attempted to do damage control after Musk’s Thursday post, though she did not say his name or reference his tweet.

   2023 November 17, Blake Montgomery, “White House condemns Elon Musk’s ‘abhorrent’ antisemitic tweets”, in The Guardian, →ISSN