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

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

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2024

She did not doubt that he would propose before he left her that afternoon, and yet she wanted to keep him at arm’s-length as long as she could.

From Vistas of New York by Matthews, Brander