keep/hold somebody at arm's lengthAVOIDto avoid developing a relationship with someone 与某人保持距离 Petra keeps all men at arm’s length to avoid getting hurt. 彼得拉跟所有的男人都保持距离，以免受到伤害。
keep/hold somebody at arm’s length• Economic policies kept the Soviet Union and Japan at arm's length during the Cold War.
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