Grammar fix
keep at bay
keep harm away
To stop something harmful or unpleasant from affecting you for a period of time.
How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
A good sleep routine helps keep stress at bay.
I try to walk every evening because it keeps negative thoughts at bay and helps me sleep better.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Regular exercise keeps illness on bay.
Say: Regular exercise keeps illness at bay.
The fixed expression is 'keep something at bay', without 'on'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Stop something bad from reaching you
How formalEverydayMore formal
keep at bayYou're here · Keep illness, hunger, anxiety or another problem under control.
ward offProtect yourself against illness or another unwanted threat.stave offEmphasizes delaying trouble rather than removing it permanently.