to keep something dangerous at a safe distance
have to face something or someone attacking you
not be able to move closer while trying to attack
unable to approach something safely
prevent something bad from harming you
prevent something or somebody unpleasant from coming too near to one or harming one
The scientists were able to keep the disease at bay with the help of modern medicine.
The bison crowded around the newly born calves and held the wolves at bay with their horns.
A handful of soldiers were able to keep the mercenaries at bay and protect the town.
Collin was such a charmer that Patty found it difficult to keep his advances at bay.
Good nutrition will help keep COVID-19 at bay.
The area was hit by a serious epidemic, but luckily he could keep himself at bay.
There is no origin for this idiom
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definition
Common phrase that has a specific meaning.