(colloquial) saved or freed from an awkward situation at the last possible moment. The expression comes from the sport of boxing. If a fallen boxer does not riseafter 10 seconds have been counted, he is declared the loser. However, a former practice in boxing allowed the count to be interrupted by the ringing of the bell which signaled the end of a three-minute period in the boxing match. —SHSBC Binder 20 Approved Glossary