Meaning: This idiom means to maintain a safe or emotional distance from someone, avoiding close or intimate contact. It implies being cautious and not allowing someone to get too close, either physically or emotionally, often to protect oneself from potential harm, discomfort, or unwanted involvement.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “After being betrayed by a close friend, she decided to keep new acquaintances at arm’s length.”
- “He keeps his colleagues at arm’s length to maintain a professional relationship and avoid office politics.”
- “She had a hard time trusting people and kept everyone at arm’s length.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “keep someone at arm’s length” is quite literal, referring to the physical act of extending one’s arm to maintain distance from another person. Over time, it evolved into a metaphorical expression, emphasizing the idea of maintaining a safe or emotional distance to prevent closeness or intimacy. This idiom underscores a deliberate effort to avoid getting too involved or attached to someone, often as a protective measure. It has been used in this figurative sense since at least the 17th century.
