keep (one) at arm's length
keep (one) at arm's length
To keep one a certain distance away, either physical or figurative, in order to afford a level of safety or security or to prevent intimacy. John always keeps his friends at arm's length, so that no one gets close enough to hurt his feelings. My daughter likes to watch me cook, but I make sure to keep her at arm's length so she doesn't get close to anything hot.
See also: keep, length
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
keep someone at arm's length
If you keep someone at arm's length, you avoid being friendly with them or getting emotionally involved with them. Brian felt more guilt than grief. He'd tried to get close, but his father had kept him at arm's length.
See also: keep, length, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
keep someone or something at arm's length
avoid intimacy or close contact with someone or something.See also: keep, length, someone, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
keep somebody at arm’s ˈlength
avoid becoming too friendly with somebody: He’s the kind of man who’s best kept at arm’s length.See also: keep, length, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- keep somebody at arm's length
- keep someone at arm's length
- keep someone or something at arm's length
- hold (one) at arm's length
- hold (one) at a distance
- hold (one) at a comfortable distance
- at arm's length
- let off on
- let off on (someone or something)
- be as good as dead