To maintain peace, the government tried to keep violence at bay.What does the underlined idiom mean?

Explanation

The correct answer is option B: 'To avoid something harmful.' The idiom 'keep violence at bay' means to prevent or avoid violence, which can be considered harmful. The other options are incorrect because:Option A suggests allowing violence, which is the opposite of what the idiom conveys.Option C talks about punishing criminals, which does not directly relate to the prevention of violence.Option D implies supporting enemies, which is contrary to the government's goal of maintaining peace.Therefore, understanding the context of the idiom is crucial for determining its meaning.