at bay

Idioms and Phrases

Cornered, in distress, as in Angry bystanders chased the thief into an alley and held him at bay until the police arrived . This idiom originally came from hunting, where it describes an animal that has been driven back and now faces pursuing hounds. Its use for other situations dates from the late 1500s.

Example Sentences

England lost their fifth consecutive game as back-to-back world champions South Africa kept the hosts at bay to win at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.

From BBC

Across Manchester, rivals City have struggled to keep their opponents at bay.

From BBC

The offense gives the Chargers an early lead over the Browns on the road, and the defense keeps Cleveland at bay with three interceptions in a 27-10 victory.

From Los Angeles Times

However, England ultimately could not keep the visitors at bay.

From BBC

The victim’s screams ultimately saved him, as a bystander stepped in, subdued the attacker and held him at bay for the remaining three hours until the assailant was arrested upon landing, the agent alleged.

From Los Angeles Times