keep (someone or something) at arm's length
phrase
: to avoid being very close to or friendly with someone or something
Since going to college, he has kept his old friends at arm's length.
They no longer trust her and are keeping her at arm's length.
Cite this Entry
“Keep (someone or something) at arm's length.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20at%20arm%27s%20length. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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