Definition

1. Noun:
   • A distance sufficient to exclude intimacy: A physical or figurative distance maintained to ensure formality, independence, or lack of close involvement, often to avoid conflicts of interest or undue influence.

Usage

The term "arm's length" is used to describe a relationship, interaction, or transaction conducted with appropriate distance and formality. It implies that parties are acting independently, without special favor or close personal ties that could compromise fairness or objectivity. It is commonly used in legal, business, and diplomatic contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The two companies, though owned by the same family, conduct all their business at arm's length.
  • To ensure impartiality, the investigation must be handled at arm's length from the department involved.
  • They maintained an arm's length relationship with their new neighbors.

Advanced Usage

• "arm's-length" (Adjective): Used attributively to describe a transaction or relationship conducted with formal distance.

  • The two firms signed an arm's-length agreement.
  • An arm's-length transaction between a buyer and seller is assumed to be fair.

• "to keep/hold someone/something at arm's length": An idiom meaning to avoid becoming too friendly or involved with someone or something.

  • She kept her colleagues at arm's length to maintain professionalism.
  • The government holds the controversial organization at arm's length.

Variants and Related Words

• Arm's-length (adj): As shown in advanced usage, this is the adjectival form.
• Distance (n): The state of being apart, which can be physical or emotional.
• Formality (n): The rigid observance of rules or convention, often associated with arm's-length dealings.

Synonyms

• Impersonal: Not influenced by personal feelings.
• Aloof: Not friendly or forthcoming; distant.
• At a distance: Physically or emotionally separated.

Related Idioms

• "To keep at a distance": Similar to "to keep at arm's length," meaning to avoid closeness.
  • He keeps all his business partners at a distance.
• "Arm's length principle": A specific legal and economic doctrine stating that transactions should be carried out as if between independent parties.
  • Tax authorities require arm's length principle pricing for transactions between related companies.

Noun

1. a distance sufficient to exclude intimacy