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
The Bulldogs would keep the Tigers’ offense at bay for the rest of the game.
—
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Into the fray swings their neighbor and perpetual mediator, Sha — but the young girl, a confidante to them both, can only hold the fraternal chaos at bay for so long.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Most do, however, aim to keep their homes ready for entertaining and socializing, with family items organized, systems running smoothly, and clutter at bay.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
These exfoliating acids works alongside glycerin and sorbitol to remove excess oils and refine congested pores to keep breakouts at bay without drying the skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Into the fray swings their neighbor and perpetual mediator, Sha — but the young girl, a confidante to them both, can only hold the fraternal chaos at bay for so long.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Most do, however, aim to keep their homes ready for entertaining and socializing, with family items organized, systems running smoothly, and clutter at bay.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
These exfoliating acids works alongside glycerin and sorbitol to remove excess oils and refine congested pores to keep breakouts at bay without drying the skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2025.
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