saving grace

American  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of saving grace

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

saving grace

So far, the saving grace for the AI trade has been semiconductor stocks.

From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 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 oil market’s saving grace was the remarkable surplus it carried into the conflict, which cushioned the blow far better than analysts predicted when the Strait of Hormuz first closed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 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

Maggie ended up being another saving grace for me that summer.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles