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saving grace


saving grace

noun

: a good quality that makes a bad or unpleasant person or thing better or more acceptable

Full Definition of SAVING GRACE

:  a redeeming quality or factor
See saving grace defined for English-language learners »

Examples of SAVING GRACE

  1. It's expensive, but the machine's saving grace is its ease of operation.
  2. One of her saving graces is a good sense of humor.

First Known Use of SAVING GRACE

1597

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