saving grace

American  

noun

1. a quality that makes up for other generally negative characteristics; redeeming feature.

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Etymology

Origin of saving grace

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Either way, Emma has backed herself into a corner and hopes that honesty and context will be her saving grace.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

The one saving grace, said Timer, has been the public's "very significant rising awareness" of deforestation in Indonesia since the disaster.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Amid all the hand-wringing about a decline in job openings and rising layoffs, there’s a less-followed labor-market trend that’s been a saving grace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

The language of manifesting your dreams into reality might sound nonsensical or contrived, but to JOP, his magical thinking became his saving grace.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

The only saving grace is that there were tickets available for the next day.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan