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Tuesday 15 May 2018

Thing To Be Today: at bay.

No, no, I'm not suggesting that you howl like a hound on the scent of a fox:

File:English Foxhounds in full cry.JPG

(unless you really want to, obviously. Though finding the place for a good bay these days is far from easy, and don't blame me if you get asked to leave the bus, restaurant, or wedding service). 

No. What I'm suggesting is that you face off someone who's attacking you, though please don't do it in such a way as to invite violence or further attack. 

If further attack's a possibility then you're probably best hiding under a table.

If you aren't the focus of obvious attack at the moment then that's great, but do not forget all the other ills that flesh is heir to. 

I suggest you hold these at bay with disinfectant, woolly scarves, or pies, depending.

There we are. A good reason to eat pies. What more could anyone want?

No, no, that's all right. All part of the service.

Thing To Be Today: at bay. This word comes from the Old French abailer, to bark. As you'd expect, it's probably an imitation of the sound that hounds make.


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