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

The 600-foot-long platforms are separated from the walls, keeping them an arm’s length from defacement.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Several, including the SNP, have suggested cutting the number of "quangos" - arm's length public bodies.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

The Moon will appear to the astronauts "about the size of a basketball held at arm's length," Noah Petro, head of NASA's planetary geology lab, told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Disney isn’t the only partner OpenAI is now holding at a robotic arm’s length.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Then she held her out at arm’s length, scanning her face, hands, body.

From "Rickshaw Girl" by Mitali Perkins