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

In that case, the productivity-boosting potential of AI could be a saving grace to GDP growth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2026

“School’s the worst. I mean, the only saving grace is that my girlfriend goes there.”

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway