arm's-length

[ahrmz-lengkth, -length]

adjective

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

   an arm's-length relationship.

arm's-length

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arm's-length¹

First recorded in 1645–55