kiːp ˈsʌmwʌn æt ɑːrmz lɛŋkθ
Body Parts
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To maintain the distance of an extended arm from someone
What does "keep someone at arm's length" mean?
- To avoid becoming too close or friendly with someone
- To maintain emotional or professional distance
Examples
- She keeps her coworkers at arm's length.
- After the betrayal, he kept everyone at arm's length.
- It's wise to keep business partners at arm's length initially.
Origin
The physical distance of an arm's length represents a barrier to intimacy. Close enough to interact but not close enough for comfort.
How to use it
Implies deliberate emotional distance. Can be protective or cold depending on context.
Similar expressions
keep distant
maintain distance
be aloof
Opposites
get close to
embrace
become intimate with
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "keep someone at arm's length" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.