length

*at great length

for a long period of time. (*Typically: explain ~; question someone ~; speak ~.) The lawyer questioned the witness at great length.

See also: great

at length 

1. after some time; finally. At length, the roses bloomed, and the tomatoes ripened. And at length, the wizard spoke.

2. and at some length for quite a long time. He spoke to us about the problem at some length. He described the history of his village at length.

go to any length

Fig. to do whatever is necessary. (See also go to great lengths (to do something).) I'll go to any length to secure this contract. I want to get a college degree, but I won't go to any length to get one.

See also: any

go to great lengths (to do something) and go to any lengths (to do something)

to work very hard to accomplish something; to expend great efforts in trying to do something. I went to great lengths to explain to him that he was not in any trouble.

See also: great

keep at arm's length from someone or something and keep someone or something at arm's length

Fig. to retain a degree of physical or social remoteness from someone or something. I try to keep at arm's length from Larry, since our disagreement. I keep Tom at arm's length because we don't get along.

See also: keep

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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 somebody 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

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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.

Related vocabulary: take (great) pains to do something

See also: great

keep somebody/something at arm's length also hold somebody/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.

Related vocabulary: keep your distance (from somebody/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