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At Arm's Length for Dummies


What does At Arm's Length really mean?

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Hey there! I'm here to help you understand the meaning of the phrase "at arm's length." Don't worry, we'll take it step by step and make sure you really get it. Ready? Let's go!

So, imagine you and I are standing really close to each other, maybe even holding hands. That's what it means to be close to someone, right? Well, "at arm's length" is pretty much the opposite of that. It means keeping some distance between us, like stretching our arms out straight and not touching each other.

Why would someone want to keep another person at arm's length? Well, sometimes people need space from each other when they're not getting along or if they need some time alone. It's like saying, "I need my own personal space right now, so please keep your distance."

But it's not just about physical distance. We can also use the phrase "at arm's length" to talk about how we treat or interact with someone. It's like keeping a certain emotional or figurative distance from them. You know when you have a friend who always wants to borrow your favorite toy and you don't want to lend it to them? You might keep them at arm's length by not letting them get too close to your special things.

Another way to think about this phrase is by imagining holding a delicate and fragile object, like a butterfly. You want to keep it at arm's length so that you don't accidentally hurt it or make it feel uncomfortable. By keeping it just far enough away, you show that you care and want to protect it. That's kind of how "at arm's length" works when it comes to people too.

In summary, "at arm's length" means keeping a physical or emotional distance from someone; it's like stretching out your arms to create a little space between you and the other person. You might do this when you need some personal space or want to protect something precious. It's all about setting boundaries and keeping a safe distance, just like when you hold a fragile butterfly.

Did that make sense? I hope I was able to help you understand the meaning of "at arm's length." Remember, if you have any more questions, I'm here to help!


Revised and Fact checked by Nicole Thomas on 2023-10-28 02:49:12

At Arm's Length In a sentece

Learn how to use At Arm's Length inside a sentece

  • When someone is sick with a contagious cold, it’s a good idea to stay away from them and not get too close, like keeping them at arm's length.
  • If you are holding a sticky, messy cake, you might want to hold it away from your clothes to avoid getting them dirty, by keeping it at arm's length.
  • When you're not very comfortable with someone, you may prefer to talk to them from a distance, keeping the conversation at arm's length.
  • If you see a small, scary bug crawling on the ground, you might feel more comfortable observing it from a safe distance, like at arm's length.
  • Have you ever played a game of tag? Sometimes, when you don't want to get tagged by the other players, you try to keep them away by extending your arm and keeping them at arm's length.