at bay

prepositional phrase3

1. •
   Unable to come closer; at a distance.

   • In that case the enemy himself could have occupied the defences of Corinth and held at bay all the Union troops that arrived. — 1886
2. •
   Cornered; unable to flee.

   • The hills, like giants at a hunting, lay / Chin upon hand, to see the game at bay,— / "Now stab and end the creature - to the heft!" — 1855
3. •
   Of an animal, especially a docile animal in contrast to a predatory animal which would be blazoned statant: standing, in profile toward dexter, with all four feet on the ground. (If gazing at the viewer, the animal is at gaze.)