saved by the bell

The phrase "saved by the bell" refers to being rescued or saved from a difficult or uncomfortable situation at the last possible moment. It originates from boxing, where a fighter who is in trouble near the end of a round can be "saved" by the sound of the bell, signaling the end of the round before their opponent can inflict further damage. The term is commonly used figuratively to describe being unexpectedly rescued or escaping an undesirable outcome just in time.