Keep someone at arm's length: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Keep someone at arm's length” mean?

"Keep someone at arm's length" means to intentionally maintain a certain distance from someone or to avoid getting too close to them.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After their argument, she decided to keep him at arm's length.

Example

He's a bit too clingy, so I prefer to keep him at arm's length.

Example

She's not comfortable with physical contact, so she tends to keep people at arm's length

Is “Keep someone at arm's length” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Keep someone at arm's length” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Keep someone at arm's length” effectively in context?

You can use "Keep Someone at Arm's Length" to describe the act of keeping someone at a distance or avoiding getting too close to them. It implies maintaining a certain level of emotional or physical detachment. For example, if a friend has betrayed your trust, you might say, 'After their argument, she decided to keep him at arm's length.'

• 1. Relationships

  He's a bit too clingy, so I prefer to keep him at arm's length.

• 2. Self-Protection

  She's been hurt before, so she tends to keep people at arm's length.

• 3. Professional Boundaries

  As a therapist, it's important to keep clients at arm's length to maintain objectivity.

Similar phrases to “Keep someone at arm's length”:

Keep one's distance

To maintain a certain physical or emotional distance from someone

Example

After their breakup, she decided to keep her distance from him.

Put up walls

To create emotional barriers or defenses to protect oneself

Example

After being hurt, she put up walls to avoid getting hurt again.

Give someone the cold shoulder

To intentionally ignore or avoid someone

Example

After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder.

Keep someone at bay

To keep someone at a safe distance or prevent them from getting too close

Example

She kept the aggressive dog at bay with a stick.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Keep someone at arm's length” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Keep Someone at Arm's Length" is unknown.

Is “Keep someone at arm's length” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Keep Someone at Arm's Length" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their approach to relationships or maintaining boundaries.

What tone does “Keep someone at arm's length” have?

"Keep Someone at Arm's Length" conveys a tone of caution and self-protection. It suggests a desire to maintain distance and avoid potential harm or discomfort.

Can “Keep someone at arm's length” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Keep Someone at Arm's Length" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common behavior in relationships and professional contexts. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After their argument, she decided to keep him at arm's length.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to keep him at arm's length!' to imply the need for distance or caution.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• maintain distance
• avoid intimacy
• keep a safe distance
• stay aloof
• remain detached

Antonyms

• get close
• embrace
• open up
• let someone in
• welcome with open arms