save by the bell

verb2

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.

   • With 35 seconds left in the fight, the Siberian Rocky landed a lethal right hook that staggered Bradley and forced him to take a knee following a few more hard blows, thus saving Bradley by the bell. — 2013
2. •
   To rescue or favorably assist (someone) by means of a timely interruption or the sudden termination of difficult circumstances.

   • The waitress brought the coffee about this time, saving me by the bell, as it were. — 1951