arm's length

• arm's-length

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arm's length (plural arm's lengths)

1. A distance approximately equal to the length of a human's arm.
2. (figuratively) A position not suggesting or inviting intimacy.

   She remained at arm's length though we worked together for many years.

3. (figuratively) A condition of independence and parity for parties to a transaction.

   The police work at arm's length from the army.

arm's length (comparative more arm's length, superlative most arm's length)

1. (literally) Barely within reach.
2. (idiomatic) Distant, detached.
3. (idiomatic) Independent, but related.

• armlength

• armlengths