arm's-length

American  

[ahrmz-lengkth, -length] / ˈɑrmzˌlɛŋkθ, -ˌlɛŋθ /

adjective

1. not closely or intimately connected or associated; distant; remote.

   an arm's-length relationship.

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arm's-length British  

adjective

1. lacking intimacy or friendliness, esp when possessing some special connection, such as previous closeness

   we now have an arm's-length relationship

2. (of commercial transactions) in accordance with market values, disregarding any connection such as common ownership of the companies involved

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Etymology

Origin of arm's-length

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

“What we have to think about with a lot of these affiliations in place is trying to make sure that these arm’s-length assessments are still happening,” Mears said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Disclosure rules similarly make anonymous trading and arm’s-length shareholding safe.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

He is slightly farther than arm’s-length away and does not make contact with the man.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2024

The merger appeared to be as far from an arm’s-length transaction as human arms could allow.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2024

Then, holding the little girl of the chestnut hair, whom she saluted as Song-bird, at arm's-length, as if to examine the Song-bird's plumage, she exclaimed: 'Berthe, you little fool, why did you faint?

From Mated from the Morgue A tale of the Second Empire by O'Shea, John Augustus