Definition of "arm's length" in English

Noun

1. A distance approximately equal to the length of a human's arm.

   • I need about ten arm's lengths of yarn.

2. A position not suggesting or inviting intimacy.

   • She remained at arm's length though we worked together for many years.

3. A condition of independence and parity for parties to a transaction.

   • The police work at arm's length from the army.

Adjective

1. Barely within reach.

2. Distant, detached.

3. Independent, but related.