keep at arm's length

English

Pronunciation

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Phrase

(deprecated template usage) keep at arm's length

1. Stay at a distance, away from one's body.
   • 2013, Chris Bevan, "Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Arsenal", BBC Sport, 6 November 2013:

     Ramsey's goal secured the points, but the win came on the back of a measured performance that saw Arsenal keep Dortmund at arm's length for long periods and score with a classic counter-attack.

2. (idiomatic) Avoid a close relationship.

   She's been keeping me at arm's length all the time. She doesn't want to get involved.

Translations

Translations

• Estonian: distantsi hoidma
• German: sich vom Leibe halten, sich vom Halse halten
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Hungarian: távol tart magától, megtartja a három lépés távolságot
• Swedish: hålla på armlängds avstånd