at bay
idiomPart ofbay
at bay — idiom
1. in a position where someone or something dangerous is being kept just far enough
1.idiom
Definition
in a position where someone or something dangerous is being kept just far enough away that it cannot reach or harm you, but has not been defeated.
Example
The villagers held the wolves at bay with torches until dawn.
Hot tea and a thick blanket kept the cold at bay all evening.