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
She’s found that limiting preservatives and chemicals helps keep flares at bay.
—
Karla Walsh, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025
On the other side, Bobrovsky and the defensemen kept the Oilers at bay, but star center Connor McDavid finally scored his first goal of the Final on Saturday.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Letting washcloths air dry properly on a towel bar (not a hook) can help keep odors and mildew at bay between washes.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
But the past, specifically Conrad, has a habit of reappearing when its least convenient for Belly, who tries but fails to keep her feelings at bay.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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Karla Walsh, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025
On the other side, Bobrovsky and the defensemen kept the Oilers at bay, but star center Connor McDavid finally scored his first goal of the Final on Saturday.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Letting washcloths air dry properly on a towel bar (not a hook) can help keep odors and mildew at bay between washes.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
But the past, specifically Conrad, has a habit of reappearing when its least convenient for Belly, who tries but fails to keep her feelings at bay.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 10 June 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 1 Jul. 2025.
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