bring someone or something to bay

bring (someone or something) to bay

To catch or trap someone or something (such as an animal). That beast has been terrorizing the townspeople for weeks—we must bring it to bay at once!

See also: bay, bring

bring someone or something to bay

trap or corner a person or animal being hunted or chased.

This phrase was originally a medieval hunting term, referring to the position of the quarry when it is cornered by the baying hounds. An animal cornered in this way is said to stand at bay .

See also: bay, bring, someone, something