Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
keep someone at arm's length
idiom
/kiːp səmˈwʌn æt ɑːrmz lɛŋkθ/
Definition
To maintain a distance from someone, often to avoid becoming too emotionally involved or to protect oneself.
Examples
- She decided to keep him at arm’s length after hearing about his past relationships.
- It’s wise to keep your emotions at arm’s length in a business negotiation.
- During the pandemic, many chose to keep friends at arm’s length to ensure safety.
Meaning
This phrase is used when a person deliberately keeps another person at a distance for various reasons such as self-protection or to maintain boundaries.
Synonyms
- Maintain distance
- Keep at a distance
- Stay detached
