saved by the bell
Rescued or favorably assisted by a timely interruption or by the sudden termination of difficult circumstances.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I did not know the answer, but the bell saved me.”
“I was struggling to answer the difficult question when the class ended, and I was saved by the bell.”
“Just as the argument reached a point of no return, the sudden arrival of the guests served as a distraction, leaving me saved by the bell.”
- 01
bear away the bell
To be superior in something.
- 02
bell out
To open out into a bell shape.
- 03
bell the cat
To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.
- 04
bells and whistles
Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features.
- 05
lose the bell
To be defeated in a contest.
- 06
pull the other one, it's got bells on
Expresses disbelief.
- 07
ring a bell
To seem at least vaguely familiar.
- 08
ring one's bell
To strike or bump one's own head with a strong blow, especially with concussive force.
Last updated August 10, 2026