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

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously expressed frustration that a "whole bunch of regulations, consultations and arm's-length bodies" mean that action "from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be".

From BBC

“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

If AI becomes as integral to the U.S. economy and national security as electricity or jet propulsion, the government will need to decide whether its leading AI firms are treated as arm’s-length contractors or as quasi-national champions.

From Barron's

The company was still scrambling Thursday to explain the deal for a tool to identify and track foreigners on US soil, which it says was signed by an arm's-length subsidiary set up to bid on classified US government work, with limited oversight from HQ in France.

From Barron's

They have no good options, but a shift to an arm’s-length relationship is likely to make for a less pleasant business environment for U.S. companies operating overseas.

From The Wall Street Journal