hold at arm's length



hold/keep somebody at arm's length

to not allow someone to become too friendly with you I always had the feeling she was keeping me at arm's length.
See also: hold, length

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Maxinemak-SEENEnglish
MarikeMAH-ree-kəDutch
Sarita (1)-Spanish
CeallachÁN-Irish
Jamil-Arabic
Chiquita[tʃi'ki:tə]