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.

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