What does “Keep (Something) at Bay” mean?
"Keep (Something) at Bay" means to prevent something from coming too close or causing harm.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I always keep mosquito repellent at hand to keep those pesky bugs at bay.
Example
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help keep diseases at bay.
Example
The security guards are trained to keep intruders at bay
Is “Keep (Something) at Bay” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Keep (Something) 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 (Something) at Bay” effectively in context?
You can use "Keep (Something) at Bay" to describe the act of preventing something from coming too close or causing harm. It implies keeping a distance or maintaining control over a situation. For example, if you want to express that you prevent mosquitoes from bothering you, you might say, 'I always keep mosquito repellent at hand to "keep those pesky bugs at bay".'
- 1Personal Protection
She carried a whistle with her while walking alone at night to keep potential attackers at bay.
- 2Health
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help keep diseases at bay.
- 3Security
The security guards are trained to keep intruders at bay.
Similar phrases to “Keep (Something) at Bay”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Keep (Something) at Bay” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Keep (Something) at Bay" is unknown.
Is “Keep (Something) at Bay” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Keep (Something) at Bay" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their efforts to prevent something undesirable from happening or to maintain control over a situation.
What tone does “Keep (Something) at Bay” have?
"Keep (Something) at Bay" conveys a tone of caution and control. It suggests taking proactive measures to keep something unwanted away or under control.
Can “Keep (Something) at Bay” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Keep (Something) at Bay" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the act of preventing something from coming too close or causing harm. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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, 'She carried a whistle with her while walking alone at night to "keep potential attackers at bay".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "keep them at bay"!' to imply the need to prevent something from getting too close.
