WordWeb Online

1. (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
   "it was debated whether saving grace could be obtained outside the membership of the church";
   - grace, state of grace
    
2. A redeeming quality or characteristic
   "her love of music remains her one saving grace"; "her sense of humour has to be a saving grace"; "the saving grace for both developments is that they are creating jobs"

Derived forms: saving graces

Type of: characteristic, state

Encyclopedia: Saving grace