だけまし

[Ongakuka]

I'm studying from a set list of grammar for N1 and came across 「だけまし」 - unfortunately it had no example sentences, and I can't find any entries for it in my dictionaries (I don't have a Japanese grammar dictionary.)

Could anyone help me understand the meaning and use of this grammar? Is it だけ + まし?

[NileCat]

I think so.

「強盗に有り金全部とられたんだ」
「殺されなかっただけましだろ」

「給料が下がった」
「リストラされないだけましだよ」

Note that this expression is usually considered to be casual.

EDIT:
Oh, I forgot to explain the meaning.
だけ　that is only (a minor thing than a possible worse case)
まし　would have been better (or something like that)

[Ongakuka]

Thank you very much Nilecatさん！ I also got a similar explanation from Ranjaさん in Chat. Your example sentences are very valuable, and I really appreciate information such as the fact that it is a casual phrase. 今度使ってみます