To keep at arm's length means to maintain a safe distance, both physically and emotionally, from someone or something. This commonly used idiom implies the act of avoiding involvement, maintaining caution, or keeping a certain level of distance in a relationship or interaction.
When it comes to maintaining physical distance, keeping at arm's length suggests metaphorically extending one's arm to create a personal boundary, a physical gap between oneself and another person or object. This distance can be established to ensure personal safety, privacy, or to prevent intimate or unwanted interactions.
The concept of emotional distance is also associated with the phrase. Keeping someone or something at arm's length emotionally means deliberately avoiding or limiting emotional attachment, connection, or involvement. It is a manner of keeping one's guard up, maintaining a passive or superficial relationship, and not allowing oneself to be easily affected or influenced.
The expression "keep at arm's length" is often used in situations where discretion, caution, or a reserved approach is required. It can be employed when dealing with difficult, untrustworthy, or manipulative individuals, or when approaching sensitive topics or potentially emotional situations.
Overall, to "keep at arm's length" implies maintaining a strategic distance, whether physical or emotional, to protect oneself, maintain control, or merely to exercise caution in certain relationships or circumstances.
