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
James Justin’s two goals – the second a sensational volley off the post – cancelled out scores from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the first half, while Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept Arsenal at bay for much of the second period.
—
George Ramsay, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Following your treatment plan is an essential way to keep CHF symptoms at bay and reduce the risk of complications.
—Alexandria Nyembwe, Phd, Rn, Health, 29 Sep. 2024
Another detail of note: The two side pockets have hidden zippers, which help keep pickpockets at bay.
—Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2024
Both these measures plus the ongoing scanning enhancements before apps make it onto the store need to do a better job of keeping such threats at bay.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for at bay 
George Ramsay, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Following your treatment plan is an essential way to keep CHF symptoms at bay and reduce the risk of complications.
—Alexandria Nyembwe, Phd, Rn, Health, 29 Sep. 2024
Another detail of note: The two side pockets have hidden zippers, which help keep pickpockets at bay.
—Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2024
Both these measures plus the ongoing scanning enhancements before apps make it onto the store need to do a better job of keeping such threats at bay.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for at bay
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'at bay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near at bay
Cite this Entry
“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
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