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

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

From Barron's

Yet CEOs have a fiduciary duty to conceal strategic information that could tip off competitors from arm’s-length shareholders.

From Barron's

Arm’s-length stockholders who trust markets mistrust managers.

From Barron's

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

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

From Los Angeles Times