Meaning of at bay | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Unable to come closer; at a distance.
   idiomatic
2. Cornered; unable to flee.
   idiomatic
3. Of an animal, especially a docile animal in contrast to a predatory animal which would be blazoned statant: standing, in profile toward dexter, with all four feet on the ground. (If gazing at the viewer, the animal is at gaze.)

Equivalents

Examples

“In that case the enemy himself could have⟳ occupied the defences of Corinth and held at bay all the Union troops that arrived.”

“These two books—of sacred, and secular, passages for memory—will serve⟳ other good purposes besides merely occupying vacant hours: they will help⟳ to keep⟳ at bay many anxious thoughts, worrying thoughts, uncharitable thoughts, unholy thoughts.”

“The home side grew in confidence after keeping the visitors at bay and took the lead⟳ after only nine minutes, from their first foray into the penalty area.”

“The hills, like⟳ giants at a hunting, lay⟳ / Chin upon hand, to see⟳ the game at bay,— / "Now stab and end⟳ the creature - to the heft!"”

“For a moment my gaze traversed the landscape beneath until it was caught and held by four figures near the base⟳ of the cliff—a human figure⟳ held at bay by three hyaenodons, those ferocious and blood-thirsty wild dogs of the Eocene.”

“Instead of mounted riders following a pack⟳ of hounds, it is envisaged that just two dogs will be used to locate⟳ a stag and hold⟳ it at bay.”

CEFR level