arm's length

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Roosevelt disliked Woodruff and kept him at arm’s length, although he did allow Pinchot to hire Woodruff at the Agriculture Department.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

While in space, the crew spoke of the surreal sights of our dusty, rugged natural satellite, appearing about the size of a bowling ball at arm’s length, suspended in the nothingness.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Disney isn’t the only partner OpenAI is now holding at a robotic arm’s length.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

"At this distance the Moon will appear to the crew to be about the size of a basketball held at arm’s length."

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Someone was standing in the moonlight an arm’s length away.

From "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli