Definition
This phrase is used to express that one has narrowly avoided a misfortune or unpleasant situation that someone else has experienced.
When I heard about the car crash, I thought, 'There but for the grace of God go I; it could have been me in that accident.'
Looking at those who lost their homes, I couldn't help but say, 'There but for the grace of God go I, I could have easily been in the same situation.'
Upon hearing about his layoff, I thought, 'There but for the grace of God go I, I could have faced the same fate.'