(slang) saves (someone) from injury; helps (someone) escape from a
danger; spares (someone) from
loss or harm. The expression comes from the
care taken by people of earlier
times to save the
bacon, which was laid up for winter
use, from the
dogs which frequented their households.
—SHSBC Binder 29 Approved Glossary, —Grad V Approved 1992 Glossary Upgrade