arm's-length

[ ahrmz-lengkth, -length ]

adjective

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

   an arm's-length relationship.

arm's-length

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arm's-length¹

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

Because gig corporations insist they’re not employers, they face a conundrum: They don’t want the reputational harm caused by discrimination incidents, but they also want an arm’s-length relationship with their workforce, and taking steps to meaningfully train workers and actually ensure access for all makes them look more like employers.

From Slate

“This is an arm’s-length business relationship,” Vartian said.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

Biden said nothing about Netanyahu’s previous arm’s-length alliance with Hamas or the two-state solution.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times