arm's-length

American  

[ahrmz-lengkth, -length] / ˈɑrmzˌlɛŋkθ, -ˌlɛŋθ /

adjective

1. not closely or intimately connected or associated; distant; remote.

   an arm's-length relationship.

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arm's-length British  

adjective

1. lacking intimacy or friendliness, esp when possessing some special connection, such as previous closeness

   we now have an arm's-length relationship

2. (of commercial transactions) in accordance with market values, disregarding any connection such as common ownership of the companies involved

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Etymology

Origin of arm's-length

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

Supervisors, in turn, develop expertise that an arm’s-length regulator can’t match from periodic filings or post hoc investigations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

In arm’s-length transactions between related parties, the transfers should be marked at prices resembling those on the open market, whether individual or fleet sales.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Disclosure rules similarly make anonymous trading and arm’s-length shareholding safe.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

Mr Campbell said it was time for the Scottish government, which part-funds the game through its arm's-length body SportScotland, to intervene.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2025

What hung over her was as inevitable as Death, and for that reason was, like Death, to be kept at arm's-length as long as possible.

From The Story of Louie by Onions, Oliver [pseud.]