at arm's length
idiom
1
: from a distance that is the length of a person's arm
It's best to view the painting at arm's length.
holding a candle at arm's length
2
: in a condition that individuals act independently and without one having undue influence over another
a deal arranged at arm's length
Examples of at arm's length in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In both cases, the Trump administration quietly has sought to keep extremists at arm's length and away from policymaking.
—
Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
This behavior is similar to that of Cancers, who tend to keep others at arm's length before forming close relationships.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 June 2025
That's about the same as a little finger held at arm's length against the night sky.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
The two objects will be separated by a rather wide gap: roughly 7 degrees, which is approximately equal to three-quarters of the apparent width of your fist held at arm's length.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for at arm's length
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
This behavior is similar to that of Cancers, who tend to keep others at arm's length before forming close relationships.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 June 2025
That's about the same as a little finger held at arm's length against the night sky.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
The two objects will be separated by a rather wide gap: roughly 7 degrees, which is approximately equal to three-quarters of the apparent width of your fist held at arm's length.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for at arm's length
Cite this Entry
“At arm's length.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20arm%27s%20length. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share