keep at arm's length
The phrase "keep at arm's length" is often used to describe maintaining a safe or cautious distance, both physically and emotionally.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)To maintain a safe or cautious distance from someone or something.
Example
- She decided to keep her colleagues at arm's length to avoid office drama.
B2Relationships
(figurative)To avoid becoming too emotionally close or involved with someone.
Example
- He's been keeping his new friends at arm's length to protect his privacy.
B2Conflict
(figurative)To avoid direct confrontation or struggle.
Example
- The manager kept the rival team at arm's length throughout the match.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "keep at arm's length":
at arm's lengtharm's lengthkeep awaykeep away fromat a distancekeep atkeep backkeep to oneselfnot touch with a ten-foot polestand offhands off