at arm's length

phrase

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
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.
Continue reading … GENERAL PIVOT — Florida Dem Senate nominee keeps Hasan Piker at arm's length after primary upset. — FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 To picture that height, make a fist and hold it out at arm's length. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026 At that distance, according to NASA, the moon will appear to be about the size of a basketball held at arm's length, with the distant blue Earth beyond it. — Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026 The Red Raiders used 3-point shooting and stellar rebounding to keep the Zips at arm's length — but not much further than that. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at arm's length

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Cite this Entry

“At arm's length.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20arm%27s%20length. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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