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

Example Sentences

That includes further deregulation and, following the abolition of NHS England, more arm's-length bodies are in her sights.

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Mr Campbell said it was time for the Scottish government, which part-funds the game through its arm's-length body SportScotland, to intervene.

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Because gig corporations insist they’re not employers, they face a conundrum: They don’t want the reputational harm caused by discrimination incidents, but they also want an arm’s-length relationship with their workforce, and taking steps to meaningfully train workers and actually ensure access for all makes them look more like employers.

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

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He is slightly farther than arm’s-length away and does not make contact with the man.

Read more on Seattle Times