The Beginnings of 12 Everyday Expressions You Use Without Knowing Why

"Saved by the Bell" — A Grave Situation

The expression "saved by the bell" is used to describe a situation where someone is rescued from an impending difficulty or danger at the last moment. Its origins are often linked to 19th-century burial practices, where a string attached to a bell was placed in coffins to prevent premature burial. If a person was mistakenly buried alive, they could ring the bell to alert those above ground, effectively saving themselves from a grave fate. The transition from a literal life-saving mechanism to a figurative expression highlights the human fascination with rescue and redemption. As the phrase entered common vernacular, it came to represent the broader experience of being saved from difficult situations, whether by chance or intervention. This evolution reflects the universal human experience of encountering challenges and the relief associated with unexpected reprieves.