hold at bay, to
Meaning: To keep some adverse situation from worsening; to hold off an enemy.
Origins and History: The phrase derives from Old French “tenir a bay,” meaning to hold open or in suspense, and referred to a hunted animal being cornered by its pursuers. By the 14th century, it was used literally, and it soon took on a more figurative meaning.
Synonyms
- Keep at arm’s length
- Ward off
- Fend off
- Deter
- Stall
Antonyms
- Succumb
- Surrender
- Yield
- Submit
Related Expressions
- “Nip in the bud” - To stop something at an early stage
- “Hold the fort” - To maintain the defense of a position
- “Stand one’s ground” - To maintain one’s position against opposition
Quotes to Ponder
- “As long as you can keep your wits about you, you remain a minor god.” – Terri Pratchett
Similar Proverbs
- “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” - It’s better to stop something bad from happening rather than dealing with it after it has happened.
- “Forewarned is forearmed.” - If you know about problems in advance, you can prepare for them.
Literature and Cultural References
Try these on for size to see the idiom in action!
- In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, the prince tries multiple schemes to keep his sanity and destiny “at bay”.
- “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu offers timeless advice on keeping adversaries, literally, metaphorically, and figuratively, at bay.
Songs & Modern World References
- “Hold the Line” by Toto - Not entirely dissimilar in sentiment; hold strong.
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor - More about meeting challenges head-on, but useful for the metaphorical ammunition to “hold things at bay.”
Inspirational Farewell
It’s often said that the best defense is a good offense, but mastering the subtle art of keeping troubles and adversaries at arm’s length not only defends but also conserves your strength for the victories yet to be won.
Ready to test your idiomatic knowledge? Let’s go, quiz enthusiasts!
### Which of these is a synonymous phrase to “hold at bay”?
- [x] Keep at arm’s length
- [ ] Embrace warmly
- [ ] Invite over for tea
- [ ] Skip merrily
> **Explanation:** “Keep at arm’s length” means to avoid becoming too close or intimate, effectively holding something or someone at bay.
### What is a common scenario for using "hold at bay"?
- [x] Fending off financial problems with careful budgeting
- [ ] Establishing new friendships
- [ ] Choosing a pet
- [ ] Baking a cake
> **Explanation:** Carefully managing your finances to prevent a crisis mirrors the essence of holding trouble at bay.
### Which of these phrases is NOT related to "hold at bay"?
- [ ] Ward off
- [ ] Fend off
- [ ] Deter
- [x] Invite in
> **Explanation:** While “ward off,” “fend off,” and “deter" convey a similar defensive stance, “invite in” is the opposite – welcoming trouble instead.
### True or False: The expression “hold at bay” has origins in hunting terminology.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, it originates from hunting where an animal is cornered by its pursuers.
### Choose the phrase that means “keep something from spreading”?
- [ ] Let it bloom
- [ ] Welcome it
- [x] Nip it in the bud
- [ ] Forget it
> **Explanation:** “Nip it in the bud” means to stop something at an early stage before it has a chance to develop.
