a redeeming feature

redeeming feature

A positive aspect or attribute of an otherwise bad or unpleasant person or thing. Often emphasized by "one" or "only." My boss's only redeeming feature is that he's pretty relaxed about us taking the odd day off before or after the weekend. The one redeeming feature of my long commute to work is that I get the chance to read plenty of books.

See also: feature, redeem

a redeeming ˈfeature

something good or positive about somebody/something that is otherwise bad: Her one redeeming feature is her generosity. ♢ The only redeeming feature of the hotel was the swimming pool. Apart from that, it was the worst hotel I’ve ever stayed in.

See also: feature, redeem