C1idiompeopleIELTS-friendly
keep someone at arm's length
USUK
to avoid becoming close or friendly with someone
Also used for organisations: 'The government kept the company at arm's length.' Note the apostrophe: arm's.
In context
She's polite to her colleagues but keeps them at arm's length outside work.
After being cheated once, he kept new partners at arm's length for years.
More idioms about people
- a chip off the old blocka child who is very like one of their parents in character or skills
- a cold fishsomeone who seems unfriendly and does not show feelings
- a drama queensomeone who reacts to small problems as if they were very serious
- a fair-weather friendsomeone who is your friend only when things are going well for you
- a friend in need is a friend indeeda person who helps you when you are in trouble is a true friend