At bay
adverbial phrase
Kept away or in a controlled situation.
He was able to keep his creditors at bay by making regular payments to them.
Often appears as...
- keep something at bay
- hold someone at bay
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverbial phrase
Unable to move closer while attacking or advancing.
The soldiers held the invading enemy at bay.
Often appears as...
- hold at bay
- kept at bay
adverbial phrase
In a situation of being unable to make any progress.
The negotiations on the business deal were kept at bay due to disagreements between the two parties.
Often appears as...
- negotiations at bay
- progress at bay
adverbial phrase
Kept away or in a controlled situation.
He was able to keep his creditors at bay by making regular payments to them.
Often appears as...
- keep something at bay
- hold someone at bay
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverbial phrase
Unable to move closer while attacking or advancing.
The soldiers held the invading enemy at bay.
Often appears as...
- hold at bay
- kept at bay
adverbial phrase
In a situation of being unable to make any progress.
The negotiations on the business deal were kept at bay due to disagreements between the two parties.
Often appears as...
- negotiations at bay
- progress at bay
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Distance Control
Use 'at bay' to express maintaining distance between oneself and something undesirable or threatening.
She kept her fears at bay with positive thoughts.
Pro Tip 2/2Controlled Situation
It implies suppressing something potentially problematic from affecting a situation.
Regular exercise helps to keep health issues at bay.
Pro Tip 1/2Distance Control
Use 'at bay' to express maintaining distance between oneself and something undesirable or threatening.
She kept her fears at bay with positive thoughts.
Pro Tip 2/2Controlled Situation
It implies suppressing something potentially problematic from affecting a situation.
Regular exercise helps to keep health issues at bay.
Pro Tip 1/2Distance Control
Use 'at bay' to express maintaining distance between oneself and something undesirable or threatening.
She kept her fears at bay with positive thoughts.
Pro Tip 2/2Controlled Situation
It implies suppressing something potentially problematic from affecting a situation.
Regular exercise helps to keep health issues at bay.
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