saving grace

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saving grace

Her sense of humor is her saving grace.

Definition

Noun: 1. A redeeming quality or characteristic: A single positive feature that makes something or someone acceptable or tolerable, despite other flaws or negative aspects. 2. A state of sanctification by God: In Christian theology, the unmerited favor and divine influence of God which is believed to regenerate and sanctify the soul.

Usage Examples

  • As a redeeming quality:

    • The hotel was noisy and cramped, but its saving grace was the stunning ocean view from every room.
    • He can be difficult to work with; his saving grace is his absolute reliability.
    • The film's plot was weak, but the lead actor's performance was its saving grace.

  • In Christian theology:

    • The sermon focused on the doctrine of saving grace and its role in redemption.
    • They believed that saving grace was a gift, not something earned through deeds alone.
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase often implies that without this one positive feature, the subject would be considered a complete failure or entirely negative. It is frequently used in critical or backhanded compliments.
    • "The meal was overcooked and bland. Its only saving grace was that it was cheap."
Variants and Related Words
  • Grace (noun): Elegance or favor. In theology, the free and unmerited favor of God.
  • Redeeming feature (noun phrase): A synonym for the first meaning of "saving grace."
Synonyms
  • For the first meaning: redeeming quality, compensatory feature, strong point, virtue, merit.
  • For the theological meaning: divine favor, sanctification, blessing.
Related Idioms
  • Therein lies the saving grace: This phrase is used to introduce or highlight the specific redeeming quality being discussed.
    • The plan is risky and expensive. Therein lies the saving grace—if it works, the rewards are enormous.
saving grace

Her sense of humor is her saving grace.

Noun
  1. a redeeming quality or characteristic
    • her love of music remains her one saving grace
    • her sense of humor has to be a saving grace
    • the saving grace for both developments is that they are creating jobs
  2. (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
    • the conception of grace developed alongside the conception of sin
    • it was debated whether saving grace could be obtained outside the membership of the church
    • the Virgin lived in a state of grace

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