We spoke on the show not long ago about how the phrase to keep something at bay derives from hunting. A listener wrote in with an evocative description of its origin, referring specifically to that period when cornered prey is able to keep predators away–that is, at bay–but only briefly. It’s a poignant moment of bravery. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Origin of Keeping at Bay”
We talked on an earlier show about the expression at bay.
You remember this, Grant?
We were talking about keeping something at bay, keeping something at a distance.
And we heard from Bea LeCalf, who lives in Spokane, Washington.
And she thought that our explanation needed a little bit more tweaking when we talked about a hunted animal that’s pursued by baying hounds.
And her description of what this term really means was actually poetic and powerful.
I wanted to share it.
She says,
The point is, as long as the hunted prey can keep the hounds or snarling wolves at bay, that is, holding in a circle and baying rather than closing in for the kill, then the prey animal wins.
It is such a poignant moment of bravery.
The prey puffing itself up with ferocity, clearly determined to do its best to take out every one of its tormentors, creating its own safe circle, but not for long.
Oh, nice.
Isn’t that powerful?
Yeah, that’s great.
Outstanding.
What was her name again?
Yeah, Bea LeCalf.
Thanks, Bea.
That’s wonderful.
Yeah.
Email words@waywordradio.org.
