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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

keep at arm's length en · VERB

Pronunciation

Meanings

  1. (transitive) Keep at a distance, away from one's body.
  2. (figuratively, transitive) Avoid direct confrontation or struggle.
    • Ramsey's goal secured the points, but the win came on the back of a measured performance that saw Arsenal keep Dortmund at arm's length for long periods and score with a classic counter-attack. 2013 November 6, Chris Bevan, “Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Arsenal”, in BBC Sport:
  3. (figuratively, transitive) Avoid a close relationship.
    • She's been keeping me at arm's length all the time. She doesn't want to get involved.

Translations (6)

sv hålla på armlängds avstånd (Translations) · et distantsi hoidma (Translations) · de sich vom Halse halten (Translations) · hu megtartja a három lépés távolságot (Translations) · hu távol tart magától (Translations) · de sich vom Leibe halten (Translations)