1148 Keep something at bay

Explanation

To prevent something undesirable, harmful, or threatening from approaching or affecting you; to hold something off.

Origin

Comes from the old hunting term at bay, describing the position of a hunted animal (like a stag) when cornered and forced to turn and face its pursuers (often barking hounds). The animal holds the dogs off, preventing them from attacking directly.
Bay here refers to the barking of the hounds. The animal keeps them at the barking stage, i.e., at a distance.
The phrase signifies successfully defending against or controlling a threat.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Keep [problem] on the ropes (keep it in a weak/defensive position)
Keep the wolves from the door (manage to survive financially, specific type of threat)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Keep that shit away from me. (Direct and vulgar rejection/prevention)

Milder/Standard:

Prevent the onset of...
Maintain distance from...
Avoid...

Situational Appropriateness

Appropriate in most contexts, from informal to formal.
Suitable for discussions about health, defense, problems, threats, etc.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The word bay has multiple meanings (body of water, compartment, barking). Non-native speakers might be confused if they don't know this specific idiomatic usage derived from hunting. The context usually clarifies it refers to holding something off.

Examples

Drink plenty of fluids to keep colds at bay.
The defenders managed to keep the enemy at bay for hours.
Regular exercise helps keep depression at bay.

Dialogue

Doctor: Remember to take this medication regularly. It will help keep the infection at bay.

Patient: Okay, Doctor. How long do I need to take it?

Doctor: For the full ten days, even if you start feeling better sooner. That ensures we fully keep it at bay.

Patient: Understood. Thank you.

Response Patterns

That's good advice.
How do you manage that? (If asking for methods)
Is it working?
Hopefully, it stays that way.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone mentions keeping something at bay:

People might ask for more details on the methods used (What do you do to keep stress at bay?).
They might discuss the effectiveness of these methods.
They might share their own strategies for dealing with the same threat or problem.

Conversation Starter

No.
Typically used within a conversation to describe preventative actions or defensive measures.

Intonation

Emphasis usually on keep and bay. KEEP something at BAY.
The tone is often one of prevention, control, or defense.

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used across all generations.

Regional Variations

Common in all major English-speaking regions.

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[1148] Keep something at bay