at a distance
The phrase "at a distance" is commonly used to describe both physical separation and emotional or social detachment.
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Definition
B2General
(common)From a place that is not close.
Example
- The house appeared small at a distance.
- At a distance, the mountain looked even more majestic.
C1Emotional/Social
(idiomatic)Experiencing feelings or relationships without close interaction.
Example
- She admired him at a distance, never expressing her true feelings.
- He preferred to keep his colleagues at a distance.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "at a distance":
far awayat arm's lengthkeep at arm's lengthfar fromwhere awaysecurity distanceaway from homesocial distancingsocial distancehow farlong shotdistance functionstriking distancekeep awayout of reach