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Region: General | Usage example: They kept the investment arms-length to avoid bias.

Arms-length

Meaning

Maintaining a healthy distance, usually to avoid conflict.

Usage

Used when formal boundaries are needed.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Physical distance of arm's length to avoid touching.

Used in law and finance to describe impartial relationships.

Related Idioms

Hit the deck

Duck down quickly, usually to avoid danger.

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

Best of both worlds

Enjoying two desirable but usually incompatible things.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.