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
Damage from the fires has been kept at bay because of aggressive water drops and winds that, although strong, have not matched those seen during the Jan. 7 firestorms that destroyed thousands of structures, including many homes.
—
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Hornets’ security, the Observer previously reported, typically places barricades outside the stadium’s loading dock area to keep pedestrians and fans at bay — particularly when a car is leaving.
—Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025
His talent as a locksmith comes in handy several times, enabling him to keep the bad guys at bay — for a while, anyway.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
This frequency helps maintain facial contour, reduce tension, and keep puffiness at bay.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for at bay 
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Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Hornets’ security, the Observer previously reported, typically places barricades outside the stadium’s loading dock area to keep pedestrians and fans at bay — particularly when a car is leaving.
—Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025
His talent as a locksmith comes in handy several times, enabling him to keep the bad guys at bay — for a while, anyway.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
This frequency helps maintain facial contour, reduce tension, and keep puffiness at bay.
—Tira Urquhart, Essence, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for at bay
Dictionary Entries Near at bay
Cite this Entry
“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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