I understand that the word
[立つ](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/jn/137174/meaning/m0u/) has various meanings,
but basically can be used to describe a state (for inanimate and animate
objects) as well as a process (for animate objects). To describe a state for
inanimate objects both: 立つ and 立っている seem to be accepted forms (ビルが立つ,
ビルが立っている).

Now, an idiomatic expression
[顔が立つ](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/jn/37556/meaning/m0u/) is undoubtedly used
to describe a state of "keeping one's face".

**The form 顔が立っている does not seem to be recognised. is my observation wrong?**

What exactly does 立つ mean in this context and why the form 立っている is incorrect?
Is it really a state, or could it be a response to some kind of a ..."periodic
test"? Like "whenever I look at him, his response is 顔が立つ thus he is a man of
honour"?

If the form 顔が立っている is incorrect, how does 立つ in 顔が立つ differ from 立つ in 腹が立つ,
where 腹が立っている is also recognised and used form?
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question
meaning etymology idioms aspect
Is 立つ in 顔が立つ is always imperfective? If so why?
As user4092 suggests in the comments, I don't think 顔が立っている is particularly
incorrect. It's just not frequently said. Some actual examples from the
internet:

  * 彼らの頑張りで、こちらの **顔が立っている** のだから。
  * 嫁が親戚付き合いを自然にこなしてくれるので、俺と俺の親の **顔が立っている** 。
  * その芸能事務所のマネージャーがただそのモデルなりタレントの子達にたいしては **顔が立っている** だけって事でしょう。

* * *

顔が立つ is perhaps more like an action rather than a state, similar to the
English _to save face_. Then it follows that you don't often say “my face is
**being saved/kept** ”.

  * こうすれば部長の顔が立つ _This way we'll **save** the manager's face_
  * こうすると部長の顔が立たない _This will make the manager **lose** face_

I can think of some other 〜が立つ idioms that are also less likely to be used in
〜立っている form:

  * 歯が立たない _insurmountable_
  * 角が立つ _harsh_
  * 口が立つ _eloquent_
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answer