To “keep someone or something at bay” is to hold it off, repel it, or keep it from approaching closely or having its effect. The guide gives the current meaning without attaching an unsupported exact origin date.
ReviewedEvidence2 sourcesSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
“Keep at bay” means keep someone or something at a distance or under enough control that it cannot approach or cause the expected effect.
Key details
Canonical Formkeep at bay
Core MeaningTo “keep someone or something at bay” is to hold it off, repel it, or keep it from approaching closely or having its effect.
Further guidance
History Boundary
This guide establishes the current documented meaning and does not claim an exact inventor, coinage date, or absolute first use.
Meaning
To “keep someone or something at bay” is to hold it off, repel it, or keep it from approaching closely or having its effect.
Usage Boundary
Use the expression in contexts matching the documented figurative meaning rather than treating a plausible origin story as established fact.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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