keep someone/something at bay
US /kiːp ˈsʌm.wʌn ˈsʌm.θɪŋ æt beɪ/
UK /kiːp ˈsʌm.wʌn ˈsʌm.θɪŋ æt beɪ/

1.
op afstand houden, in bedwang houden
to prevent someone or something from coming too close or causing problems
:
•
The security guards managed to keep the crowd at bay.
De bewakers slaagden erin de menigte op afstand te houden.
•
She took medication to keep her allergies at bay.
Ze nam medicatie om haar allergieën onder controle te houden.