kiːp ˈsʌmθɪŋ æt beɪ
General
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To hold something in the position of a bay (naval term)
What does "keep something at bay" mean?
- To prevent something from coming too close or causing harm
- To hold off or keep under control
Examples
- Exercise helps keep stress at bay.
- We managed to keep the competition at bay.
- Medicine keeps the symptoms at bay.
Origin
From hunting—a cornered animal held 'at bay' by dogs. Or from naval warfare where ships held at bay in a harbor.
How to use it
Often used for negative things like illness, problems, or threats that are being controlled.
Similar expressions
hold off
ward off
prevent
keep away
Opposites
let in
allow
succumb to
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "keep something at bay" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.