at arm's length
The idiom "at arm's length" originates from the idea of maintaining a physical distance but is commonly used to describe emotional or professional detachment.
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Definition
B2Everyday Language
(idiomatic)Maintaining a physical or emotional distance to avoid close involvement.
Example
- She kept him at arm's length to avoid getting too attached.
- He held the document at arm's length to read the fine print.
C1Business and Legal
(formal, technical)Conducting transactions or interactions in a way that avoids personal relationships and ensures impartiality.
Example
- The deal was made at arm's length to ensure fairness.
- At arm's length transactions are crucial in maintaining market integrity.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "at arm's length":
keep at arm's lengtharm's lengthat a distancearm outat handnear at hand