saved by the bell
1
rescued from an unpleasant or difficult situation at the last moment by an unexpected event, action, or intervention
- I wish I had been saved by the bell.
- Just when he was about to start yelling at me, the fire alarm went off and saved me by the bell.
- The teacher was just getting ready to hand out the quizzes when the fire alarm went off—saved by the bell!
2
(boxing) rescued from being knocked out by the ringing of the bell at the end of a round
- He is a ferocious fighter.I was barely saved by the bell.
- Saved by the bell...Now go back to your corner and come back to me the next round.
- The coach saved me by the bell, otherwise I wouldn't be here right now.