Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
there-but-for-the-grace-of-god-go-i
phrase
/ðɛr bʌt fɔːr ði ɡreɪs əv ɡɒd ɡoʊ aɪ/
Definition
An expression that suggests one is fortunate not to be in a worse situation than someone else, implying that it is only by divine grace that they are not experiencing similar misfortunes.
Examples
- When I see those struggling on the streets, I think, ‘There-but-for-the-grace-of-god-go-I.’
- Listening to her story made me realize how lucky I am; there-but-for-the-grace-of-god-go-I.
- After witnessing the accident, he said, ‘There-but-for-the-grace-of-god-go-I.’
Meaning
This phrase is often used to express sympathy and humility, acknowledging that one’s own circumstance could easily be different.
Synonyms
- There, but for fate go I
- But for luck, that could be me
- By chance, I am here
