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
In the dark, a poet sings to hold the wolves at bay.
—
Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
The family was spending the weekend skiing in Vermont, and Avery’s headaches seemed to be at bay.
—Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjust your fit with the sporty lace-up closure, and take advantage of the shoes’ orthotic insoles that support the arch to keep foot fatigue at bay.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026
However, there was still a lot of work to do, and with Mitchell clipping at his heels, the 18-year-old showed excellent composure to keep him at bay before planting a clinical shot past Dean Henderson.
—Tom Burrows, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
The family was spending the weekend skiing in Vermont, and Avery’s headaches seemed to be at bay.
—Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjust your fit with the sporty lace-up closure, and take advantage of the shoes’ orthotic insoles that support the arch to keep foot fatigue at bay.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026
However, there was still a lot of work to do, and with Mitchell clipping at his heels, the 18-year-old showed excellent composure to keep him at bay before planting a clinical shot past Dean Henderson.
—Tom Burrows, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
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 29 Jan. 2026.
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