English / idiom
Keep Someone at Arm's Length
MEANING IN ENGLISH
To avoid becoming too friendly or intimate with someone
In context
01
Even at family festivities, Maya kept her meddlesome relatives at arm's length.
02
After past misunderstandings, he decided to keep toxic acquaintances at arm's length during social gatherings.
Synonyms
keep at a distance,stay aloof,avoid closeness
Antonyms
welcome warmly,embrace,get close to
Collocations
hold someone at arm's length,maintain distance