keep at bay
Meaning
To prevent someone/something from approaching or having an effect; to hold off or control a threat/problem.
Origin
From hunting/animal imagery: a bay is a defensive position (often with one’s back to a bay or barrier). To keep an animal “at bay” meant to hold it off at a distance so it couldn’t attack; later generalized to threats and problems.
Notes
Implies control/containment rather than solving the problem. Used for threats, fears, pain, enemies, etc. Neutral tone; slightly formal in writing.
Examples
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She took painkillers to keep the headache at bay during the meeting.
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The vaccine helps keep the virus at bay in most people.
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Tall fences and bright lights kept intruders at bay.
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I go for a run after work to keep stress at bay.
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Regular updates are the best way to keep bugs at bay.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as “keep X at bay” (X = fear, pain, enemy, etc.). Verb inflects (kept/keeping). Also common: “hold/keep (something) at bay.” Fixed preposition: at bay (not *in bay).
Synonyms
- hold at bay
- keep away
- ward off
- fend off
- keep under control
Antonyms
- give in
- succumb
- let in
- allow