🦺 Keep at Arm’s Length, To 🧤
Definition: To avoid familiarity, to keep someone or something at a distance.
Origins and Usage: With the inevitable image of extending one’s arm to metaphorically push someone away, this phrase has long been utilized to signify distancing oneself from a problem, group, political stance, and so forth. In the sixteenth century, the phrase was rendered as “at arm’s end,” evidenced by Sir Philip Sidney’s use of it in Arcadia (1580). By the mid-seventeenth century, it morphed into the more familiar “at arm’s length.”
Synonyms:
- Keep someone at bay
- Maintain distance
- Hold off
- Steer clear of
Antonyms:
- Embrace warmly
- Close the gap
- Invite in
- Welcome closely
Humor-Filled Quotes & Proverbs:
- “Some friends are like snowflakes: beautiful but best kept at arm’s length before they melt all over your life.”
- “Always keep a bottle of whiskey and a friend at arm’s length; you’ll thank me later.”
Suggested Readings and Media:
Literature:
- Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney: The earliest known literature using the precursor to this phrase.
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu: For a strategic view on keeping opponents at bay.
Books:
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: Strategies on relationships, though you’ll also learn why sometimes it’s smart to keep certain people at a distance.
- Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend: A deep dive into the importance of healthy boundaries.
Movies:
- The Godfather: The Corleones are nearly Shakespearean in their ability to keep enemies at arm’s length.
- Mean Girls: For a humorous take on high school politics and learning who to keep at what distance.
Songs:
- “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley: Relationships and the personal version of keeping mistrust at arm’s length.
- “Keep Your Distance” by Richard Thompson: This song directly addresses the mantra of keeping someone at a distance.
Poetry:
- “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Not directly about distance in relationships, but perfect for reflecting on choices and the paths you safely distance yourself from.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Arm’s Reach: Similar but generally physical rather than metaphorical.
- Out of Touch: Even further off, indicating a complete lack of interaction or understanding.
- Cold Shoulder: A more egregious and icy version of keeping someone at arm’s length.
Quizzes
By embracing the myriad ways language shapes our understanding of relationships and boundaries, we can better understand ourselves and others. Keep expanding your linguistic horizons, one expression at a time!
In the end, remember this whimsical wisdom: “Some people — like chocolate and trouble — are best enjoyed in moderation, always keeping a bit of safe distance.”
Warm regards,
Lexikon Sarcasm
October 1, 2023
