keep someone or something at arm's length

keep (one) at arm's length

To keep one a certain distance away, either physical or figurative, in order to afford a level of safety or security or to prevent intimacy. John always keeps his friends at arm's length, so that no one gets close enough to hurt his feelings. My daughter likes to watch me cook, but I make sure to keep her at arm's length so she doesn't get close to anything hot.

See also: keep, length

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

keep someone or something at arm's length

avoid intimacy or close contact with someone or something.

See also: keep, length, someone, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017