at bay
idiom
: in the position of being unable to move closer while attacking or trying to approach someone
—used with keep or hold
The soldiers kept the attackers at bay.
—often used figurativelyThe doctors have been able to keep her illness at bay for several months.
Examples of at bay in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Staying present helps to keep unnecessary doubt at bay and invites positivity.
—
Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
Tips for Stopping Invasive Pests Awareness is a big part of keeping invasive pests at bay.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
Keep doing the right things and customers, keep your tempers at bay.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Several rows of them sprint towards the fence outside of the Jackson settlement and are kept at bay by fiery explosions before Tommy is shown fearfully firing a large gun.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
Tips for Stopping Invasive Pests Awareness is a big part of keeping invasive pests at bay.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
Keep doing the right things and customers, keep your tempers at bay.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Several rows of them sprint towards the fence outside of the Jackson settlement and are kept at bay by fiery explosions before Tommy is shown fearfully firing a large gun.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
Cite this Entry
“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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