THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Keep something at bay
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To keep an unwanted thing away, hold it off, or prevent it from becoming a greater problem.
Usage note: keep in mind
Keep something at bay means prevent an unwanted thing from approaching, affecting you or becoming worse. It may describe controlling or holding off a problem rather than removing it permanently. Place the object between keep and at bay.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Covered containers helped keep unwanted insects at bay.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To keep an unwanted thing away, hold it off, or prevent it from becoming a greater problem.
Show the answer
Keep something at bay — To keep an unwanted thing away, hold it off, or prevent it from becoming a greater problem.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Keep something at bay” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To keep an unwanted thing away, hold it off, or prevent it from becoming a greater problem.
Compare: Covered containers helped keep unwanted insects at bay.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- A clear checklist helped keep last-minute confusion at bay.
- We used a temporary cover to keep the dust at bay during the repairs.
Check your understanding
If a temporary measure keeps a problem at bay, must the problem be permanently solved?
Check your answer
No. The measure may only hold the problem off or keep it under control for a time.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where keep something at bay fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.