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
Adding transom windows above, and double doors that lead out to the patio, lets in maximum sunlight while keeping bugs at bay.
—
Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Braman made a key tackle late in the game to keep New England at bay.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 17 July 2025
But the past, specifically Conrad, has a habit of reappearing when its least convenient for Belly, who tries but might fail to keep her feelings at bay.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg got past Lance Stroll, then held a hard-charging Lewis Hamilton at bay for the final chapter of the race to secure third place.
—ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Braman made a key tackle late in the game to keep New England at bay.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 17 July 2025
But the past, specifically Conrad, has a habit of reappearing when its least convenient for Belly, who tries but might fail to keep her feelings at bay.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg got past Lance Stroll, then held a hard-charging Lewis Hamilton at bay for the final chapter of the race to secure third place.
—ArsTechnica, 7 July 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 28 Jul. 2025.
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