Use 'at bay' to express maintaining distance between oneself and something undesirable or threatening.

Distance Control

It implies suppressing something potentially problematic from affecting a situation.

Controlled Situation

Often used to describe a situation where someone resists being overcome or dominated.

It conveys the idea of confronting or facing a challenge without backing down.

It suggests a temporary stop or halt in progress due to an obstacle.

Use it when progress is halted, but there's an implication it might resume later.