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

“What we have to think about with a lot of these affiliations in place is trying to make sure that these arm’s-length assessments are still happening,” Mears said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 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

“This is an arm’s-length business relationship,” Vartian said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2024

We Belgians, living, so to speak, within arm’s-length of Germany, have long seen the danger, and feared it.

From The Day of Wrath A Story of 1914 by Tracy, Louis