Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Hold someone or something at bay

Prevent someone or something from moving closer

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "hold someone or something at bay" is to prevent someone or something from moving closer.

This idiom is used to describe a situation in which someone or something is prevented from approaching or advancing. It is often used in a military context, but it can also be used in a more general sense. For example, you might say "The police held the crowd at bay." This means that the police prevented the crowd from getting any closer.

The other options are not as accurate descriptions of the meaning of the idiom.

• Trap or corner a person or animal being hunted or chased: This idiom is more accurately described as "to stalk" or "to corner."
• To seek punishment for a person or group: This idiom is more accurately described as "to prosecute" or "to bring charges against."
• To thrive or to grow very successfully: This idiom is more accurately described as "to flourish" or "to prosper."