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

To keep dust and debris at bay, lightly vacuum at least once a week on low suction, skipping the beater brush attachment to help prevent shedding. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, tea tree extract keeps excess sebum at bay, fighting against an oil slick T-zone, leaving skin clean and balanced but not overly dry. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Yellowstone National Park spends more than $3 million each year keeping lake trout at bay in Yellowstone Lake. — Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 23 Sep. 2026

The pursuit eventually led officers into the forest outside Sacramento, where 44-year-old Derek Spencer held them at bay by hiding and firing from behind a berm until he was shot and killed, authorities said. — Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for at bay

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