Arm's length Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑɹmz/ /ˈɫɛŋkθ/, /ˈɫɛŋθ
ARMZ LENGKTH
ɑːmz/ /lˈɛŋθ
AHMZ LENGTH
Definition
An expression meaning to keep something or someone at a physical or emotional distance, or a distance equal to the length of your arm.
Usage & Nuances
Often used metaphorically for emotional or professional distance—e.g., 'keep at arm's length.' Common in business, relationships, and law. Not usually literal unless describing physical space.
Spanish: a distancia - mantener distanciaPortuguese (BR): distância de um braço - manter distânciaPortuguese (PT): à distância de um braço - manter distânciaChinese (Simplified): 保持距离 - 一臂之距Chinese (Traditional): 保持距離 - 一臂之距Hindi: दूरी बनाकर - एक हाथ की दूरीArabic: على مسافة ذراع - الحفاظ على مسافةBengali: হাতের দৈর্ঘ্য - দূরত্ব (আবেগিক/পেশাগত দৃষ্টিতে)Russian: на расстоянии вытянутой рукиJapanese: 腕一本分の距離 - 距離を置く（比喩的）Vietnamese: một khoảng cách an toàn - giữ khoảng cách (cả nghĩa đen lẫn bóng)Korean: 팔 길이 - 거리 두기(비유적)Turkish: kol boyu mesafeUrdu: ہاتھ کی لمبائی - فاصلہ (جذباتی/پیشہ ورانہ)Indonesian: jarak satu lengan - menjaga jarak
Example Sentences
Please keep the dog at arm's length.
basic
He keeps his classmates at arm's length.
basic
Keep that chemical at arm's length for safety.
basic
I always keep my work and personal life at arm's length.
natural
After what happened, she decided to keep him at arm's length.
natural
The lawyer must stay at arm's length from the company to avoid conflict.
natural