AT BAY Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "at bay" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a situation in which a person manages to keep something or someone under control, often by creating a physical or metaphorical barrier. It implies an act of keeping a threat, danger, or problem away or restrained, preventing it from advancing or causing harm.
Used in a literal sense, "at bay" describes a situation where an individual is able to keep a dangerous animal, typically a predator or an aggressive beast, at a safe distance or in a position where it cannot attack. In this context, the person might rely on weapons, physical barriers, or other means to keep themselves separated from the animal and protected.
Figuratively, the term "at bay" is often employed to depict the act of successfully holding off or controlling undesirable circumstances, opponents, or challenges. This might involve a person effectively suppressing their personal struggles, emotions, or impulses to maintain self-control. It can also signify a situation in which an individual skillfully manages to repress or subdue any imminent danger or threat, such as a disease or an enemy.
Overall, "at bay" encapsulates the notion of successfully managing to prevent, restrain, or control something potentially harmful, whether it be a physical force, an unwanted situation, or an internal struggle.
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To bark as a dog at his game; to keep an enemy from closing in.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for AT BAY
- zt bay
- st bay
- wt bay
- qt bay
- ar bay
- af bay
- ag bay
- ay bay
- a6 bay
- a5 bay
- at vay
- at nay
- at hay
- at gay
- at bzy
- at bsy
- at bwy
- at bqy
- at bat
- atbay
Etymology of AT BAY
The phrase "at bay" has its roots in medieval hunting terminology. It originated from the French phrase "à bay", which literally means "to the bay". In medieval hunting, dogs would be trained to chase and corner a prey animal, such as a deer or boar, until it was trapped in a small, enclosed space like a bay (a term for an area of water where land curves inwards). The dogs would then hold the prey at bay, preventing it from escaping, until the hunter arrived to either capture or kill it. Over time, "at bay" became figurative, referring to a situation where someone or something is cornered or held in check, unable to escape or attack.
Idioms with the word AT BAY
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hold/keep sb/sth at bay
The idiom "hold/keep sb/sth at bay" means to keep someone or something away, usually through continuous effort or vigilance. It implies successfully preventing or delaying their advance or approach.
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keep sth at bay
The idiom "keep something at bay" means to prevent or keep something, such as a problem or a threat, from getting too close or causing harm. It implies keeping something under control or at a safe distance.
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keep sb at bay
The idiom "keep someone at bay" means to keep someone at a distance or prevent someone from approaching or getting too close. It is typically used in a figurative sense and suggests keeping someone or something under control or out of harm's way. It can also imply maintaining a safe distance or preventing someone from infringing on one's privacy or personal space.
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keep sth/sb at bay
The idiom "keep something/somebody at bay" means to keep something or someone at a distance or prevent them from approaching or causing harm. It implies maintaining a safe or manageable distance, usually to avoid a possible negative consequence.
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hold sm or sth at bay
The idiom "hold someone or something at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance, to prevent them from coming too close or causing harm or trouble. It implies maintaining control or keeping a situation under control.
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keep at bay
The idiom "keep at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance or to prevent them from coming too close or causing harm or trouble. It refers to the act of holding off or keeping something in check.
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hold at bay
The idiom "hold at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance, usually through effort or force, in order to prevent them from advancing or causing harm. It can also refer to keeping a situation or problem under control and preventing it from worsening or escalating.
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hold/keep somebody/something at bay
The idiom "hold/keep somebody/something at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance or under control in order to prevent harm or undesirable consequences. It implies keeping a potential threat or danger away from oneself or others.
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keep (someone or something) at bay
The idiom "keep (someone or something) at bay" means to prevent someone or something from approaching or getting too close, often in a figurative sense. It implies keeping something or someone restrained, controlled, or at a safe distance. It can also imply holding off or repelling an enemy or threat.
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keep something/someone at bay
The idiom "keep something/someone at bay" means to keep something or someone at a safe distance or to prevent something or someone from approaching or causing harm. It implies maintaining control or ensuring a situation is under control by keeping potential threats or challenges away.
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hold something/someone at bay
The idiom "hold something/someone at bay" means to keep something or someone at a distance or under control, often by using physical force, tactics, or means of defense. It implies preventing or delaying the advancement, approach, or harm caused by someone or something.
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hand or keep at bay
The idiom "hand or keep at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance or under control, often through determined effort or by using specific tactics. It implies preventing a potential harm, danger, or threat from getting too close or causing harm.
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hold (or keep) someone or something at bay
The idiom "hold (or keep) someone or something at bay" means to keep someone or something under control or at a distance, in order to prevent them from causing harm or trouble. It suggests having enough power or influence to restrain or fend off someone or something.
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hold someone or something at bay
The idiom "hold someone or something at bay" means to keep someone or something at a distance, usually to prevent them from getting closer or causing harm. It implies maintaining control or keeping a situation under control by not allowing it to become a threat or danger.
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at bay
The idiom "at bay" means to hold or keep someone or something under control, typically by force or by being prepared to fight. It can also mean to keep someone or something at a distance or prevent them from causing harm.
Similar spelling word for AT BAY
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