Where did the phrase 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.
What does the phrase keep it 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.
What figure of speech is keep at bay?
idiom
An idiom is a metaphorical figure of speech, and it is understood that it is not a use of literal language.
Where did the idiom on the ball originate from?
The phrase ‘on the ball’ did actually originate in the sporting arena, but relates to the eyes rather than the feet. It is a contraction of the earlier expression ‘keep your eye on the ball’, which advice has been given to participants in virtually every known ball game.
How do you use keep at bay in a sentence?
The phrase ‘keep something at bay’ means; that you try to stop a problematic situation from getting closer to you. Example in use: “That kid is very problematic; I am doing my best to keep him at bay.”
Is at bay an idiom?
Cornered, in distress, as in Angry bystanders chased the thief into an alley and held him at bay until the police arrived . This idiom originally came from hunting, where it describes an animal that has been driven back and now faces pursuing hounds. Its use for other situations dates from the late 1500s.
Was the last straw idiom?
the last in a series of unpleasant events that finally makes you feel that you cannot continue to accept a bad situation: She’s always been rude to me, but it was the last straw when she started insulting my mother. …
What is the meaning of idiom Damocles sword?
phrase. If you say that someone has the Sword of Damocles hanging over their head, you mean that they are in a situation in which something very bad could happen to them at any time. [literary]
What does the idiom keep at bay mean?
The phrase to keep someone or something at bay is an idiom that means to hold someone or something off, or to keep someone or something at a distance. Contents. 1 Keep at Bay Meaning. 2 Origin of Keep at Bay.
What is the origin of the expression “Bay on the Bay”?
This expression comes from hunting. One of the definitions of bay is to bark. When hunting, many people use dogs, especially in years past. Sometimes, the dogs will trap the animal, and keep it away by barking. This allows the hunters time to approach and get the animal.
What does it mean to keep a dog at bay?
To keep at bay meant then to be in a standoff with a baying dog that was intent on killing – a scenario which also gave us the expression ‘baying for blood’. In more placid moments hounds also ‘bay at the moon’. In recent times the phrase ‘keep at bay’ has taken on the more general meaning of ‘fend off’.
What does it mean to keep your creditors 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. You have to start meeting your minimum monthly repayments if you want to keep your creditors at bay.