Hold/keep somebody/something at bay
phrase
To stop something or someone from coming to you, bothering you, or harming you.
He worked to keep his anxieties at bay with a heavy exercise regimen.
Often appears as...
- keep problems at bay
- hold anxiety at bay
phrase
To delay or prevent something from coming close or occurring.
The vaccine helps to keep the disease at bay.
Often appears as...
- hold disease at bay
- keep imprisonment at bay
phrase
To stop something or someone from coming to you, bothering you, or harming you.
He worked to keep his anxieties at bay with a heavy exercise regimen.
Often appears as...
- keep problems at bay
- hold anxiety at bay
phrase
To delay or prevent something from coming close or occurring.
The vaccine helps to keep the disease at bay.
Often appears as...
- hold disease at bay
- keep imprisonment at bay
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe keeping troubles or worries away.
She reads to keep her fears at bay.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
While it can sound like a physical action, it usually refers to non-physical situations.
He uses humor to keep his insecurities at bay.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Distance
The phrase can imply maintaining emotional distance or avoiding emotional engagement.
She kept her emotions at bay during the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe keeping troubles or worries away.
She reads to keep her fears at bay.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
While it can sound like a physical action, it usually refers to non-physical situations.
He uses humor to keep his insecurities at bay.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Distance
The phrase can imply maintaining emotional distance or avoiding emotional engagement.
She kept her emotions at bay during the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe keeping troubles or worries away.
She reads to keep her fears at bay.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
While it can sound like a physical action, it usually refers to non-physical situations.
He uses humor to keep his insecurities at bay.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Distance
The phrase can imply maintaining emotional distance or avoiding emotional engagement.
She kept her emotions at bay during the meeting.
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