Phrase guide

save by the bell

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

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 counted out by the referee.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: boxing, government, hobbies, lifestyle, martial-arts, military, politics, sports, war, wrestling

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To rescue or favorably assist (someone) by means of a timely interruption or the sudden termination of difficult circumstances.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.