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

See Examples For:

saving grace

The saving grace is that such a tax would almost certainly be unconstitutional.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

“I say that because Social Security benefits are taxed, so one saving grace is you’ll pay less in federal income tax,” Kotlikoff said.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 9, 2026

The omelet bar, which sat center amongst winding rows of buffet-style breakfast items, was ultimately my saving grace.

From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2026

And that has been, I think, our saving grace is our sense of humor.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2026

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

From "Every Day" by David Levithan