Save somebody’s bacon/neck
verb
To rescue or save someone from a difficult or dangerous situation.
The lifeguard at the beach was able to save the swimmer's neck from the rough waves.
Often appears as...
- save one's own neck
- save someone else's neck
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To avoid getting into trouble or to prevent someone from getting into trouble.
My friend saved my bacon by reminding me of the test today, I had completely forgotten about it.
Often appears as...
- save one's own bacon
- save someone else's bacon
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To rescue or save someone from a difficult or dangerous situation.
The lifeguard at the beach was able to save the swimmer's neck from the rough waves.
Often appears as...
- save one's own neck
- save someone else's neck
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To avoid getting into trouble or to prevent someone from getting into trouble.
My friend saved my bacon by reminding me of the test today, I had completely forgotten about it.
Often appears as...
- save one's own bacon
- save someone else's bacon
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
This idiom doesn’t involve actual rescue; it’s used for various kinds of help or assistance.
When Jake explained the math problem, he really saved my neck.
Pro Tip 2/3Intensity
Often used to express relief from serious trouble or a close call.
He saved my neck by warning me about the inspection, I could have lost my job!
Pro Tip 3/3Non-literal
Don't take it literally, nobody's neck is in danger; it’s about avoiding negative consequences.
If you cover for me at work today, you'll really be saving my neck.
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