bay · noun C /beɪ/
bay
B1 an area of water with land on three sides
Dictionary examples:
San Francisco Bay
the Bay of Naples
Learner example:
It's also possible to hire a small yacht there and have a trip round the bay. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Polish)
keep/hold sb/sth at bay
C2 to prevent someone or something being closer or causing your problems
Dictionary example:
Gunmen kept police at bay for almost four hours.
Learner example:
The Leary brothers are unable to cope with real life, which reinforces their innate ability to keep the world at bay and themselves untouched by life and love. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)
