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Saved by the bell

Saved by the bell

Meaning

Saved by a last minute intervention.

Examples

That solar panel scheme was just about to be cancelled, then an environmentalist minister came in and it was saved by the bell.

Where did it originate?

Britain, 18th century. Not connected, as is often thought, to bells attatched to coffins.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Saved by the bell

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