but for the grace of God

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

An ellipsis for there but for the grace of God go I.

Phrase[edit]

but for the grace of God

  1. Were it not for God's help, someone could have suffered that outcome.

Usage notes[edit]

  • Unlike the full form, this form is sometimes used to refer to someone else's good fortune in avoiding a bad outcome.
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