Wiktionary
save by the bell
vb. 1 (context transitive boxing wrestling English) 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 count out by the referee. 2 (context transitive idiomatic by extension English) To rescue or favorably assist (someone) by means of a timely interruption or the sudden termination of difficult circumstances.