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at arm's length

idiom

Definition 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

Word by Word Definitions

arm play

  1. : a human upper limb

  2. : something like or corresponding to an arm: such as

  3. : the forelimb of a vertebrate

  1. : to furnish or equip with weapons

  2. : to furnish with something that strengthens or protects

  3. : to equip or ready for action or operation

  1. : a means (such as a weapon) of offense or defense

  2. : a combat branch (as of an army)

  3. : an organized branch of national defense (such as the navy)

See the full definition of arm
length play

  1. : the longer or longest dimension of an object

  2. : a measured distance or dimension — see Metric System Table, Weights and Measures Table

  3. : the quality or state of being long

See the full definition of length

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