SINCE 1828
at arm's length
idiomDefinition of at arm's length
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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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