save by the bell

Definitions

1. 1

   In a boxing or wrestling match or similar competition, to ring the bell which concludes…

   In a boxing or wrestling match or similar competition, to ring the bell which concludes the round and thereby to prevent a competitor who has been knocked down from being counted out by the referee.

   • With 35 seconds left in the fight, the Siberian Rocky landed a lethal right hook that staggered Bradley and forced him to take a knee following a few more hard blows, thus saving Bradley by the bell.
2. 2

   To rescue or favorably assist (someone) by means of a timely interruption or the sudden…

   To rescue or favorably assist (someone) by means of a timely interruption or the sudden termination of difficult circumstances.

   • The waitress brought the coffee about this time, saving me by the bell, as it were.
   • Fortunately the appearance of the rash marks the beginning of a sudden end to the disease, establishes a diagnosis, saves you by the bell, satisfies the child's parents, and baby has had just one more kind of measles.
   • Remember that God gives the strength to go on when you would rather collapse. He can save you by the bell!

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