saving grace

One compensating virtue

A saving grace is a redeeming quality that makes something otherwise bad acceptable or worthwhile: The movie was tedious, but the soundtrack was its saving grace.

The phrase originates in theology, where divine grace saves souls from damnation, but now applies broadly to any feature that rescues a person, thing, or situation from complete failure or condemnation.

redemption

redeeming quality

Virtue that compensates faults

silver liningConsolation within misfortune
bright spotLone positive element
consolationComfort during distress

mitigating factor · compensation · offset · counterbalance · reprieve · deliverance · rescue · salvation · lifeline · blessing

merit

asset

Item of value owned

advantageFavorable position or circumstance
strengthPower to exert force
virtueMoral goodness or merit

plus · benefit · positive · upside · good point · attribute · quality · distinction · value · worth

Categories

forgivenessforgiveness of sins, redemption, absolve, mercy, pardon
salvationredemption, eternal life, born again, justification, sanctification
benefitsadvantage, healthcare coverage, dental insurance, benefit, health screening
hopeful signsray of hope, silver lining, glimmer, gleam, spark
Social Diplomacywhite lie, tact, diplomacy, courtesy, politeness
CalvinismCalvinism, TULIP, predestination, total depravity, John Calvin

Opposites

redeeming vs. damning qualities

saving gracefatal flaw

Ruinous character defect

Achilles heel · kiss of death · downfall · undoing · deal breaker

rescue vs. ruin

saving gracedeath knell

Omen of ending

coup de grâce · final straw · undoing · ruination · downfall

evaluative balance

saving gracelast straw

Ultimate triggering incident

breaking point · tipping point · clincher · coup de grâce · death blow

Family

save, grace, saving, graceful, saved, savings, disgrace, disgraceful, gracefully

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G