arm’s length: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘arm's length’ mean?
The idiom "arm's length" means to keep a distance or maintain a cautious or detached relationship with someone or something.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "leave it be" means to not interfere or to let something remain as it is without trying to change or fix it.
The idiom "keep the peace" means to maintain harmony, calm, and order in a situation or relationship, usually by preventing conflict or resolving disputes.
The idiom "keep off the streets" means to stay indoors or avoid going outside, often because of dangerous or unsafe conditions on public roads or in the surrounding area.
The idiom "keep an eye open" means to remain alert or vigilant, to pay close attention to something or someone in order to avoid missing any important information or opportunities.
The idiom "keep an eye on" means to regularly and closely monitor or watch someone or something, usually to ensure their safety or to prevent any problems. It implies being observant and vigilant in order to maintain control or stay informed about the situation.
The idiom "keep a low profile" means to avoid attracting attention or publicity, and to remain inconspicuous or discreet in one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "keep a close watch" means to closely monitor or observe something or someone, usually with the goal of ensuring their safety, security, or well-being.
The idiom "in safe hands" means that someone or something is being taken care of or protected by a trustworthy and capable individual or group.
The idiom "hold off" means to delay or keep something or someone at a distance. It implies waiting or resisting until a more suitable time or condition.
Decoding the Distance
The idiom "arm's length" is commonly used to describe a situation where two parties maintain a distance or lack of familiarity with one another. This figurative phrase has its origins in the literal act of keeping someone away by extending one's arm fully.
The idiom can be traced back to the 16th century, with its earliest known written usage appearing in Sir Thomas More's 'The Workes of Sir Thomas More Knyght.' More used the phrase "right jeaousy & suspition is alwayes measured, by others that be familiar, & by them at armes lenght." This validates the fact that the idiom was in existence and understood during that time period.
The idiom is often associated with maintaining a cautious distance from someone. It implies a level of wariness or suspicion, suggesting that one is not willing to get too close or involved in a particular situation or relationship.
The phrase "at arm's length" is related to the idiom "arm's length" and has been used in legal contexts. It indicates the concept of keeping transactions or relationships at a distance to ensure fairness and objectivity. For example, in corporate governance, the practice of keeping related parties at arm's length is essential to avoid conflicts of interest and promote ethical conduct.
While the idiom mostly retains its original meaning and usage, it has expanded to encompass a broader range of situations. Nowadays, it can also suggest a lack of familiarity or close emotional connection with someone or something.
These examples illustrate how the idiom has evolved to capture the idea of maintaining detachment or a degree of separation from certain aspects of life.
The idiom "arm's length" remains deeply ingrained in the English language, serving as a reminder of the importance of boundaries and distance in various relationships and interactions. It signifies a certain level of caution and self-preservation while acknowledging the need for emotional and physical space.
The possibilities remain open for its continued evolution and adaptation to meet the changing needs and dynamics of contemporary society. As language constantly evolves, the idiom "arm's length" may offer new interpretations and applications in the future, reflecting the ever-changing nature of human relationships and interactions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *arm's length* can be used in a sentence:
- She kept the person at arm's length to avoid getting emotionally involved.
- The company maintained an arm's length relationship with its suppliers.
- He always kept his business partners at arm's length to ensure impartiality in decision-making.
More "Relation" idioms
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