1.  saving grace(n = noun.state) grace, state of grace - (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"
is a kind of state

2.  saving grace(n = noun.attribute) - 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"
is a kind of characteristic

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