[save] {sb} by the bell
1
*** (of a boxer) saved from a knockout by the ringing of a gong signaling the end of a round
2
to unexpectedly provide someone with help when they face a danger or difficulty
The idiom "saved by the bell" has its origins in the world of boxing, where a boxer who is in a difficult or dangerous situation may be saved from a potential knockout by the ringing of the bell to signal the end of a round. This expression is often used to describe narrowly avoiding trouble or disaster through timely intervention.
- I was saved by the bell otherwise my father was about to uncover what I had done.
- Just when he was about to start yelling at me, the fire alarm went off and saved me by the bell.
- Luckily my bus arrived before I had time to reply.Saved by the bell.
- The teacher was just getting ready to hand out the quizzes when the fire alarm went off—saved by the bell!