at bay

phrase

: 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 figuratively

The 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

Mulch keeps weeds at bay, which can compete for water and nutrients your tree needs. — Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026

These can help keep the right amount of chlorine in your pool, which aids in sanitation and keeping algae at bay. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

Use a primer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep dry skin or flakiness at bay. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 3 July 2026

But there were other things in her control to keep the anxiety at a low hum, to make the threats ambient and hold the panic at bay. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026

Rhymes for at bay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway