Example
“The fire alarm saved me by the bell — I didn't have to answer the question.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
keep your fingers crossed
Informal · CEFR A2
To hope strongly that something good will happen.
break a leg
Informal · CEFR B1
A way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance.
hit the jackpot
Neutral · CEFR B1
To gain a remarkably favorable result, usually unexpectedly or through luck.
as luck would have it
Neutral · CEFR B2
By a fortunate coincidence, often introducing an unexpectedly helpful event.
by the skin of your teeth
Informal · CEFR B2
By the narrowest possible margin; only just barely.
draw the short straw
Neutral · CEFR B2
to be selected, often by chance, for an unwanted task or outcome
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.