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

It’s been years since Odysseus has been home, and Penelope (Hathaway), his wife, is now forced to keep dozens of gluttonous suitors at bay after invading her home. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 July 2026

The centrists, meanwhile, will likely need her to hold the National Future at bay. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

Here, Vater and Mary Phillips, Head of Native Plant Habitat Strategy/Certifications at the National Wildlife Federation, share all the details on the right time (and right way) to banish your weeds—and keep them at bay during your next vacation. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 July 2026

Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand was crucial to keeping Belgium at bay with seven stops, including an extraordinary block from point-blank range by left-back Maxim De Cuyper, who attempted a game-high five shots. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Rhymes for at bay

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