10 Everyday Phrases That Came From Weird Historical Events

3. "Saved by the Bell": A Grave Misunderstanding

The phrase "saved by the bell" is commonly used to describe a timely intervention that prevents disaster. Its origins, however, are often mistakenly attributed to a macabre historical practice. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the fear of being buried alive was pervasive, leading to the invention of safety coffins equipped with bells. These devices allowed those accidentally buried to alert the living if they found themselves in such a predicament. While this explanation is popular, the phrase's true origin lies in the world of boxing. In the ring, a boxer facing defeat could be "saved by the bell," signaling the end of a round, granting a temporary reprieve. The phrase's evolution from the boxing ring to everyday language demonstrates how expressions can shift and adapt, often taking on new meanings that overshadow their original contexts.