Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

arm's length

[ahrmz-lengkth, -length] / ˈɑrmzˌlɛŋkθ, -ˌlɛŋθ /
NOUN
at a distance to exclude intimacy
Synonyms
WEAK
at a distance distant remote

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mark, on a skateboard, and Jacob, also wearing inline skates, followed a little over an arm’s length behind.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The Moon will appear to the astronauts "about the size of a basketball held at arm's length," Noah Petro, head of NASA's planetary geology lab, told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Disney isn’t the only partner OpenAI is now holding at a robotic arm’s length.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

That day in the field outside Beijing, Silva managed to keep the poacher at arm's length until the police arrived.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

I picked up the jar at arm’s length and carried it downstairs with him pulsating all the way.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly