Englishhold someone or something at bay
Meaning: To prevent someone or something that is threatening or attacking from being able to advance.
Example: “Thick curtains held the January cold at bay.”
Origin: Rooted in medieval hunting, where "bay" described the deep, sustained barking of hounds that had cornered their prey — the exact moment a hunted animal, unable to flee any further, was forced to turn and face the dogs pursuing it. The word traces through Old French abai or abay, itself from a verb meaning "to bark," and the fuller phrase "at bay" is documented literally by the 14th century, describing exactly that cornered standoff between hunted animal and hunting pack. A figurative sense applying the same standoff to a person facing trouble, danger, or an enemy follows soon after, by around 1400, and the broader use for holding off threats, misfortune, or difficulty of any kind is established by the late 1500s.
More English idioms
- in a nutshell Concisely; in a few words.
- in a pinch In an emergency; if necessary.
- in a rut In a boring routine.
- in Dutch with someone In trouble.
- in full swing At the peak of activity or intensity.
- in one's element In one's most comfortable or favorite environment.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- Avec des si, on mettrait Paris en bouteille Speculating about what might have been is pointless.
- Faute de grives, on mange des merles When you can't have what you want, you make do with what's available.
- Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre Patience is rewarded in the end.
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