At bay Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈbeɪ
AT BAY
ˈæt/ /bˈeɪ
AT BAY
Definição
To keep something dangerous, harmful, or unwanted from coming too close or causing problems; to prevent a threat from becoming worse.
Uso & Nuances
Usually used with 'keep' or 'hold' ('keep at bay', 'hold at bay'). Often refers to controlling worries, enemies, illnesses, or difficult emotions. More common in written or spoken formal and semi-formal English. Not literal—comes from hunting, but now means controlling or holding back something negative.
Spanish: a raya - controladoPortuguese (BR): sob controle - à distânciaPortuguese (PT): sob controlo - à distânciaChinese (Simplified): 受到控制 - 被遏制Chinese (Traditional): 受到控制 - 被遏止Hindi: नियंत्रित रखना - दूर रखनाArabic: تحت السيطرة - يبقي بعيداًBengali: দূরে রাখা - নিয়ন্ত্রণে রাখাRussian: держать на расстоянии - держать под контролемJapanese: 寄せ付けない - 抑えるVietnamese: ngăn chặn - giữ tránh xaKorean: 멀리하다 - 억제하다Turkish: uzakta tutmak - engellemekUrdu: دور رکھنا - قابو میں رکھناIndonesian: menjauhkan - menjaga agar tidak mendekat
Frases de Exemplo
She tried to keep her fears at bay.
basic
Good hygiene keeps diseases at bay.
basic
The guard dog kept the thieves at bay.
basic
She drinks herbal tea to keep colds at bay during winter.
natural
Daily walks help keep stress at bay.
natural
He managed to keep his anger at bay during the meeting.
natural