keep someone at arm's length

Meaning: To keep someone at a distance emotionally.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

More idioms — Daily Life

• keep something under one's hat — To keep something secret.
• keep the ball rolling — To maintain momentum; to keep some process going.
• keep up with the joneses — To have the same standard of living as one's friends and neighbors do.
• keyed up — Full of nervous anticipation; anxious; tense.
• kick the bucket — To die.
• not know someone from adam — To be unable to recognize someone because the person is a stranger.

More English idioms

• kick up one's heels — To have a lively and fun time, usually at a party or dance.
• knock someone for a loop — To shock, surprise, or astound someone.
• not know if one is coming or going — To be confused and disoriented.
• know the ins and outs — To be familiar with the details and hidden meanings of an activity or situation.
• know the ropes — To be familiar with a task or situation.
• knuckle down — To do one's work seriously; to apply oneself fully; to get busy.

← Back to Idioms

Loading the full interactive collection…