at bay

Học thuật
Thân thiện
at bay

The hunter kept the snarling wolf at bay with his torch.

Definition
  1. Adjective phrase:
    • Forced to turn and face attackers; cornered: The phrase describes a situation where a person or animal is trapped, surrounded, or forced to defend itself against a threat, with no easy means of escape. It implies being in a defensive position.
Usage
  • The phrase "at bay" is used as a predicative adjective, typically following a verb like "keep," "hold," or "be."
  • It describes the state of a person, animal, or even a problem that is being contained or forced to confront a pursuer or threat.
Examples
  • Adjective phrase:
    • The hounds kept the bear at bay for hours. (The hounds prevented the bear from escaping or advancing.)
    • With only a stick, he held the attackers at bay. (He managed to keep the attackers from coming closer.)
    • The infection was kept at bay by strong antibiotics. (The infection was successfully contained and prevented from spreading.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to keep/hold something at bay": This is the most common construction. It means to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from approaching or affecting you.
    • She drank coffee to keep sleep at bay.
    • The army held the invaders at bay.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bay (v): To bark or howl deeply, especially of hounds in pursuit. This is the original hunting context from which the phrase derives.
  • Cornered (adj): Trapped in a corner or difficult situation.
  • At close quarters: Very near, in close proximity, often in a confrontational context.
Synonyms
  • Cornered
  • Trapped
  • Hemmed in
  • Surrounded
Related Phrases
  • To turn to bay: This is a less common variant meaning to stop fleeing and turn to face the attackers, which is the core image of the phrase.
    • The wounded stag finally turned to bay.
Idioms
  • Keep (something) at bay: To maintain a distance from something threatening; to prevent something from happening or approaching.
    • Regular exercise helps keep illness at bay.
at bay

The hunter kept the snarling wolf at bay with his torch.

Adjective
  1. forced to turn and face attackers
    • a stag at bay
    • she had me cornered between the porch and her car
    • like a trapped animal

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ tương tự

Từ gần giống