at arm's length
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
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Word by Word Definitions
: a human upper limb
: the part between the shoulder and the wrist
: something like or corresponding to an arm: such as
: to furnish or equip with weapons
: to furnish with something that strengthens or protects
: to equip or ready for action or operation
: a means (such as a weapon) of offense or defense
: firearm
: a combat branch (as of an army)
: the longer or longest dimension of an object
: the quality or state of being long
: duration or extent in time
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