A character in a fight or facing punishment from a henchman does not want to be struck or injured in a certain manner. They could have a low pain tolerance in general, or they may be able to take other kinds of punishment, just not that specific punishment. In these cases, it isn't uncommon to hear a character desperately shout this Stock Phrase at their attacker.
Usually the character gets hit in the face anyway. Often subverted when it turns out that the character's pleas were just Briar Patching all along.
The character asking not to get hit in the face may be asking for professional reasons, if they make a living from their looks, as with a model, actor, or a member of The Oldest Profession. Alternatively, the request may be because the requestor is vain.
Can involve, but doesn't demand, A Handful for an Eye, Boom, Headshot!, and if someone's being particularly vindictive, Facepalm of Doom. Compare Ow, My Body Part!, Oh God, with the Verbing!, Nobody Touches the Hair. Not to be confused with actually going inside the face.
