English

Alternative forms

• arm's-length

Noun

arm's length ‎(plural arm's lengths)

1. A distance approximately equal to the length of a human's arm.
2. (figuratively) A position not suggesting or inviting intimacy.

   She remained at arm's length though we worked together for many years.

3. (figuratively) A condition of independence and parity for parties to a transaction.

   The police work at arm's length from the army.

Adjective

arm's length ‎(comparative more arm's length, superlative most arm's length)

1. (literally) Barely within reach.
2. (idiomatic) Distant, detached.
3. (idiomatic) Independent, but related.

See also

• armlength

Anagrams

• armlengths