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

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 • Jan. 28, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

The merger appeared to be as far from an arm’s-length transaction as human arms could allow.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2024

Most Americans assess this conflict the way they do many others: at arm’s-length and an ocean away.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

"Hurrah for breakfast!" he shouted, as he ran back to Bonny with his trophy proudly displayed at arm's-length.

From Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast by Munroe, Kirk