What does “Saved by the bell” mean?
"Saved by the bell" means being rescued or saved from a difficult or dangerous situation just in time.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I was about to miss my flight, but I was saved by the bell when they announced the final boarding call.
Example
The car skidded off the road, but luckily, a passerby saw the accident and saved me by the bell.
Example
I was struggling to finish my assignment before the deadline, but my friend came to my rescue and saved me by the bell with some helpful tips
Is “Saved by the bell” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Saved by the bell” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Saved by the bell” effectively in context?
You can use "Saved by the Bell" to describe a situation where you were rescued or saved from a difficult or dangerous situation at the last moment. It emphasizes the idea of being saved just in time, preventing a negative outcome. For example, if you narrowly avoid missing a flight, you could say, 'I was about to miss my flight, but I was "saved by the bell" when they announced the final boarding call.'
- 1Travel
I was about to miss my train, but I was saved by the bell when it arrived a few minutes late.
- 2Accidents
The car skidded off the road, but luckily, a passerby saw the accident and saved me by the bell.
- 3Academic
I was struggling to finish my assignment before the deadline, but my friend came to my rescue and saved me by the bell with some helpful tips.
Similar phrases to “Saved by the bell”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Saved by the bell” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Saved by the Bell" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the sport of boxing. In the early days of boxing, there were no time limits for rounds, and fighters would often become exhausted or injured. To prevent serious injury or even death, a bell would ring to signal the end of a round, saving a boxer from further harm. Over time, the phrase evolved to mean being rescued or saved from a difficult or dangerous situation just in time.
Is “Saved by the bell” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Saved by the Bell" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express relief or gratitude when they are rescued or saved from a difficult or dangerous situation just in time.
What tone does “Saved by the bell” have?
"Saved by the Bell" conveys a tone of gratitude and relief. It's often used to describe situations where someone narrowly avoids a negative outcome and expresses appreciation for being saved at the last moment.
Can “Saved by the bell” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Saved by the Bell" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being rescued or saved from a difficult situation just in time. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I was about to miss my flight, but I was "saved by the bell" when they announced the final boarding call.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Phew, "saved by the bell"!' to express relief.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- rescued in the nick of time
- saved at the eleventh hour
- pulled from the brink
- delivered from disaster
- escaped by a hair's breadth
Antonyms
- left to fend for oneself
- abandoned in the lurch
- suffered the consequences
- caught in the crossfire
- failed to escape
