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

The whitewashed building’s accessible only by a five-minute speedboat ride or helicopter, keeping the hoi polloi at bay; the skipper and boat come bundled for your use during your stay, as does a hostess and cook. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026

Tessa, one of the mods of the page who has been working to protect the readers, tells Variety that the community has also been working to keep scalpers and scammers at bay. — William Earl, Variety, 20 July 2026

But Canada’s wildfires, which are the ones impacting the Northeast, are more seasonal because the snow and cold keep the fires at bay during colder months. — Anjalee Khemlani, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Despite spotty command and tons of early traffic on the bases, Gray held the Tampa Bay Rays at bay and helped deliver the Red Sox their 13th straight win. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026

Rhymes for at bay

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