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
To estimate 10 degrees in the sky, use the width of your clenched first held at arm's length.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Except for the colors, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is visually indistinguishable from its predecessor at arm's length.
—Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
The waterway—just 80 miles wide at its narrowest point—has for decades kept the longtime foes at arm's length of one another, but the United States fears China could soon use its overwhelming military advantage to make good on its longstanding territorial ambitions.
—John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
That's the width of a little finger held at arm's length.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at arm's length
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Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Except for the colors, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is visually indistinguishable from its predecessor at arm's length.
—Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
The waterway—just 80 miles wide at its narrowest point—has for decades kept the longtime foes at arm's length of one another, but the United States fears China could soon use its overwhelming military advantage to make good on its longstanding territorial ambitions.
—John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
That's the width of a little finger held at arm's length.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 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 19 Oct. 2025.
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