What does keep things at bay mean?
Definition of at bay : in the position of being unable to move closer while attacking or trying to approach someone —used with keep or hold The soldiers kept the attackers at bay. —often used figuratively The doctors have been able to keep her illness at bay for several months.
Where does the expression keep at bay come from?
In the 14th century, barking hounds were said to be “at bay.” When dogs are kept at bay, they are kept from attacking. The Phrase Finder website says the first recorded usage of “at bay” is in an English story from the year 1330. Back to modern times, “at bay” is a common expression.
Is at bay an idiom?
To keep somebody or something at bay means “to keep a dangerous opponent at a distance; to hold off, ward off a disaster, etc.” The very first interpreters of this idiom guessed its origin correctly. They stated that bay here means “to bark” and that at bay refers to hunting.
What does keep stress at bay mean?
(also hold something at bay) to control something and prevent it from causing you problems: She fought to keep her unhappiness at bay.
What does ? mean in texting?
What does ? Hundred emoji mean? The 100 emoji is used in digital communication to express or emphasize achievement, support, approval, and motivation. It also generally means “absolutely” or “keep it 100” (keep it real).
What this means ??
? Face with Tongue emoji The face with tongue emoji means a few different things. It’s playful, cheeky, sassy, and can imply a joke, or a bit of lasciviousness. It’s also often used with cute dog posts, though there is a dog face emoji with its tongue sticking out in the same fashion …
What does keep something at bay mean?
“Keep it at bay (the word “bay,” is spelled with a lowercase b).” means to keep something, like a disease, from getting worse; another way of saying it, is “keep it in check.” If a pack of hunting dogs is not able to catch the game they are chasing, then the game animal is said to be “keeping the pack at bay”.
What does it mean to keep someone at bay’?
keep (someone or something) at bay To keep someone or something at a distance or from reaching full potency, especially in order to prevent harm to oneself. During my college years, the only things I had to keep hunger at bay were beans, rice, and plain pasta.
What does ‘keep you at bay’ mean?
‘Keep speculators at bay’ means to prevent observers from entering within close proximity to you. ‘At bay’ means to be situated far away from you. Another example of this phrase in use are: The martial artist fought to keep his attackers at bay. Keep something – that’s trying to harm you – away from getting you.
What is another word for keep at bay?
Synonyms for keeps at bay include repels, discourages, fends off, holds off, wards off, staves off, keeps away, repulses, keeps off and fights off. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com!