keep death at bay

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep death at bay" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean to attempt to prevent or delay death or the end of something. For example: "She worked hard to keep death at bay and live to see her grandchildren grow up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Warhol "superstitiously believed" that fame could keep death at bay, Mr. Kuspit argues.

The New York Times - Arts

The creative enterprise is a bubble that can keep death at bay, but not forever.

The New Yorker

The stasis state was thus dependent on autophagy and proved a means to keep death at bay.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's no silver bullet to keep death and the diseases of old age at bay.

The New York Times - Magazine

For some this means a vote for the Coalition, to keep the boats and detention and death at bay and to allow the island to reinvent itself as a tourism destination, drawing in visitors with its natural beauty, famous crabs, and vibrant multicultural community.

The Guardian

It was there that death was kept at bay.

The New York Times

Yes, death is kept at bay in a play that ends, as Shakespeare's comedies must, with the promise of a marriage or two.

The New York Times

After the deadening sameness of the American suburbs and the dead-end drudgery of life in the gutters of Paris and London; after sultry Venice, where death is kept at bay with Bellinis, casual sex, and cocaine, and holy Varanasi, where the sacred is inches from the profane and the dead collide with the living — we turn to the crucible of Iraq.

The New Yorker

By Ligaya Mishan May 18 , 2009After the deadening sameness of the American suburbs and the dead-end drudgery of life in the gutters of Paris and London; after sultry Venice, where death is kept at bay with Bellinis, casual sex, and cocaine, and holy Varanasi, where the sacred is inches from the profane and the dead collide with the living — we turn to the crucible of Iraq.

The New Yorker

"How do I keep it at bay?

Independent

Can they keep Qld at bay here?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep death at bay" when you want to express the idea of preventing or delaying death through specific actions or interventions.

Common error

Avoid using "keep death at bay" loosely when referring to minor inconveniences or setbacks; this phrase is most appropriate when referring to serious threats to life or existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep death at bay" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the action of preventing or delaying death. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. The examples show its use in various contexts, such as artistic expression and biological processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep death at bay" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe actions that prevent or delay death. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Although not extremely common, it is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternative phrases such as "hold death back" or "prolong life" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to reserve this phrase for scenarios involving significant threats to life rather than trivial matters. Key sources include The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold death back

This alternative focuses on the act of restraining or impeding death's approach.

delay the inevitable

This suggests postponing something unavoidable, in this case, death.

prolong life

This emphasizes extending the duration of life, avoiding death for a longer period.

ward off demise

This alternative uses more formal language, focusing on protecting against death or the end.

forestall mortality

This phrase employs a more literary tone, highlighting the anticipation and prevention of death.

keep the grim reaper away

This alternative uses a metaphorical representation of death, focusing on avoiding its presence.

fight off mortality

This conveys a struggle against death, emphasizing resistance.

cheat death

This suggests narrowly escaping death, implying a sense of defying fate.

evade the grave

This alternative uses a more poetic expression for escaping death.

defy death

This suggests a bold resistance or challenge to death, emphasizing courage or resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "keep death at bay" in a sentence?

You can use "keep death at bay" to describe actions taken to prevent or postpone death. For example: "Medical advancements help to keep death at bay for many patients."

What does "keep death at bay" mean?

The phrase "keep death at bay" means to delay or prevent death from occurring, often through specific actions or circumstances.

What can I say instead of "keep death at bay"?

You can use alternatives like "hold death back", "prolong life", or "delay the inevitable" depending on the context.

Is "keep death at bay" a common expression?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "keep death at bay" is not as frequently used as some of its alternatives, making it somewhat uncommon but still appropriate in formal or literary contexts.