Sheikh Ishfaq
At arm's length What does "at arm's length" mean?
Nov 23, 2017 2:50 AM
Answers · 3
Charles has described the literal meaning. I think that it is mainly used more figuratively though. In that case, it means 'a safe distance away' or even 'as far away as possible'. e.g. "The politicians try to keep the press at arm's length". "When your friends have colds, it is safer to keep them at arm's length."
November 23, 2017
But I guess you can use it to describe (more figuratively) a person that you don't want to get close to or a topic that you are not comfortable with.
November 23, 2017
LOL, it means, for example, in the case of keeping a person "at arm's length", to keep him/her away from your body at a distance as far as your arms extended out, just in case he/she decides to suddenly attack you.
November 23, 2017
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!