Although the doctors had been able to 'keep her illness at bay' [=to prevent her illness from becoming worse] for a few months, the disease soon began to spread again.
Armed with a gun, he 'held the police at bay' [=he did not allow the police to arrest him] for 10 hours.
The soldiers 'kept the attackers at bay'. [=they did not allow the attackers to come closer]
(..) I'm fine. What is the matter? I think he tried again. He said he fell in the bay. Leonard? Okay. Stupid stupid. Hi, how are you? Oh, enjoy. (..)2008 Two Lovers
(..) Hello? What-- what happened? Huh? You're all wet. I fell into the bay. It's cold-- Mom, come on, stop. I'm fine. - You fell into the bay? - It's not gonna happen again. - Leonard. (..)2008 Two Lovers