saving grace

saving grace (countable and uncountable, plural saving graces)

1. (countable) A redeeming quality or factor.

   For all his treachery and deception, he had one saving grace: good manners.

   • 2019 February 27, Drachinifel, 31:46 from the start, in The Battle of Samar - Odds? What are those?‎^[1], archived from the original on 3 November 2022:

     With Gambier Bay and Hoel sinking and Roberts not much longer for this world, the Johnston is now set upon by four cruisers and a number of destroyers. The ship's crew patch holes as fast as they can, but the ship is literally gradually being taken apart by repeated salvos. The fact that this particular set of Japanese ships is STILL using armor-piercing instead of high explosive is the only saving grace.

2. (theology) God's grace or blessing, enabling sinners to attain salvation.