Saved-by-the-bell Definition

(simple past tense and past participle of save by the bell, boxing, wrestling, of a competit) In a boxing or wrestling match or similar competition, spared from being counted out by the referee by the ringing of the bell which concludes the round.

(simple past tense and past participle of save by the bell, idiomatic, by extension) Rescued or favorably assisted by a timely interruption or by the sudden termination of difficult circumstances.