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

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

From Salon • Mar. 21, 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

We thought Peters citizenship was going to be our saving grace.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon