To keep all sides at arm's length

irmamar · #1 October 31, 2010, 01:18 PM

I don't know if this sentence is an idiom (so I've chosen this forum). But I don't understand the meaning. The context is that the king held secret negotiations.

Thanks.

Perikles · #2 October 31, 2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irmamar

I don't know if this sentence is an idiom (so I've chosen this forum). But I don't understand the meaning. The context is that the king held secret negotiations.

Thanks.

The whole expression is not an idiom, but to keep at arm's length is, and means guardar las distancias. In this case it seems the king is reserving judgment and keeping his distance from everybody, whilst holding secret talks with all sides before deciding which direction to take.

**Rusty** · #3 October 31, 2010, 01:36 PM

The phrase "all sides" refers to the all the persons the king was negotiating with.
The phrase "at arm's length" refers to avoiding infringement upon another - not interfering with the natural course of events elsewhere.

If something is held or kept at arm's length, there is no intimacy or familiarity. The object is distanced from us, and our actions do not affect it.

irmamar · #4 October 31, 2010, 01:42 PM

Now I understand. A bit difficult the sentence... Thanks both.

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To keep all sides at arm's length

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