# arm's length

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/arms-length
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Distant, detached.

## Examples

- He keeps his neighbors at arm's length.
- The manager keeps his staff at arm's length to maintain his professional authority.
- She preferred to keep her business associates at arm's length, fearing that personal friendships might eventually complicate their professional dealings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.