length (redirected from Lengths)

go to any lengths to do something

go to great lengths to do something - to try very hard to achieve something. Some men will go to any lengths (= try any method) to disguise the fact that they're going bald.

See also: any

go to great lengths to do something

to try very hard to achieve something. I went to great lengths to explain the situation to him but he still didn't seem to understand.

See also: great

hold/keep someone at arm's length

to not allow someone to become too friendly with you. I always had the feeling she was keeping me at arm's length.

See also: hold, keep

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at length

1. for a long time. We have discussed at length the events that led to his suspension.

2. after a period of time. At length, Nick realized that she was listening to the music more than she was listening to him.

go to great lengths to do something

to try very hard to achieve a result. This champion marathon runner is going to great lengths to help needy children. Both sides have gone to great lengths to emphasize areas of similarity in their proposals.

take (great) pains to do something

See also: great

keep someone/something at arm's length

to avoid becoming connected with someone or something. We proposed a tax break for companies that treat their workers well, but lawmakers are keeping the idea at arm's length for now. She doesn't talk much about it because she needs to hold these painful experiences at arm's length.

keep your distance (from someone/something)

Etymology: from the literal meaning of at arm's length (= away from you by a distance equal to the length of your arm)

See also: keep

keep something at arm's lengthSee at: keep someone/something at arm's length

See also: keep