saved by the bell

Idioms  

1. Rescued from a difficulty at the last moment, as in I couldn't put off explaining his absence any longer, but then Bill arrived and I was saved by the bell. This expression alludes to the bell rung at the end of a boxing round, which, if it rings before a knocked-down boxer has been counted out, lets him get up and continue fighting in the next round. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

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Example Sentences

Even without the “saved by the bell” phone call, it is a fitting final Thanksgiving episode.

From Los Angeles Times

Fury – who was saved by the bell in the ninth round - did not make excuses in the immediate aftermath of the split-decision points loss.

From BBC

The southpaw landed clean left hands as Fury scuttled across the ring before being saved by the bell.

From BBC

On a grand stage and on a legacy-defining night, Briton Fury began well but was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.

From BBC

The Australian sensed an early finish as Thompson, backed into the corner, was saved by the bell with referee Howard Foster poised to jump in.

From BBC