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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

arm's-length

And once the Arco Petroleum split-off becomes more of “an arm’s-length transaction,” Arco Petroleum’s stock “can easily go from $20 to $30,” Gabelli said.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

The plan is an arm’s-length effort to unblock the vital supply waterway that doesn’t involve escorts by U.S. warships.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 4, 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

Indeed, they are almost within an arm's-length of me when I started on the run to make the leap.

From The Wayfarers by J. C. Snaith

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