save the day

present singular third person saves the day · participle present saving the day · participle past saved the day · past saved the day

1. humorousidiomaticsometimesTo rescue a person or situation from imminent danger or major failure.

   Maybe a strapping woodsman will come along and save the day.

   2008 May 28, Eugene Robinson, “The ravages of the Clinton campaign”, in San Francisco Chronicle, archived from the original on 30 Jun 2013

   3 more examples

   [H]e acted as chief of staff to General Rosecranz, aiding his superior officer at a most critical point in the battle by advice which had an important influence in saving the day.

   1881, Horatio Alger, chapter 25, in From Canal Boy to President or The Boyhood and Manhood of James A. Garfield

   “It's Paddy,” cried Craig. “If he can bring them all out safely without the loss of a life he'll save the day yet.”

   1912, Arthur B. Reeve, chapter 6, in The Poisoned Pen

   An effective vaccine would save the day and last year researchers at Yale were reporting some progress.

   1991 June 24, John Skow with et al., “Life In The Age Of Lyme”, in Time, archived from the original on 30 Jun 2011