What does “Keep at bay” mean?
"Keep at bay" means to actively maintain a distance from something or someone in order to control or prevent their approach.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I always keep a can of bug spray handy to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Example
Regular exercise can help keep stress at bay.
Example
She wore a mask to keep germs at bay during flu season
Is “Keep at bay” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Keep at bay” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Keep at bay” effectively in context?
You can use "Keep at bay" to describe the action of keeping something or someone at a distance or under control. It implies the need to prevent something from getting too close or causing harm. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Dealing with pests
I always keep a can of bug spray handy to keep mosquitoes at bay.
- 2Managing stress
Regular exercise can help keep stress at bay.
- 3Preventing illness
She wore a mask to keep germs at bay during flu season.
Similar phrases to “Keep at bay”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Keep at bay” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Keep at bay" is unknown.
Is “Keep at bay” common in everyday conversation?
"Keep at bay" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to talk about keeping something undesirable away or under control.
What tone does “Keep at bay” have?
"Keep at bay" conveys a tone of caution and control. It suggests the need to be proactive in preventing something from causing harm or becoming a problem.
Can “Keep at bay” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Keep at bay" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as casual conversations, professional discussions, or written communication.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He took precautions to keep the virus at bay.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "keep stress at bay"!' to imply the need to manage stress.
