saving grace

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of saving grace¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Where Charlotte’s saving grace is that her character remained largely unchanged, Miranda’s chaotic shift into a middle-aged awakening to her queerness was torture.

From Salon

The saving grace is that Reuveni and I both kept receipts.

From Salon

For the Dodgers, Walter’s arrival as owner in 2012 was a saving grace for what was then a floundering team.

From Los Angeles Times

Her saving grace, she explained, was West Midlands Police's Offending to Recovery programme.

From BBC

The acting is a saving grace, especially Edgar-Jones’ commitment to nuance and Poulter’s refreshingly shaded Lee, whose depth of awareness at a critical moment is a believable surprise, beautifully handled by the actor.

From Los Angeles Times