keep one at a distance

[keep one at a distance] or [keep one at arm's length] {v. phr.}

To avoid (someone's) company; not become too friendly toward.

* /Mr. Smith is kind to the workers in his store but after work he keeps them at a distance./

* /Betty likes Bill and is trying to be friendly, but he keeps her at arm's length./

Compare: KEEP ONE'S DISTANCE, HOLD OFF(1a).

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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	See also »
	keep one's distance [keep one's distance] {v. phr.} To be cool toward someone; avoid being friendly. * /Mary ... A Dictionary of American Idioms at arms length [at arm's length] See: KEEP AT A DISTANCE or KEEP AT ARM'S LENGTH. A Dictionary of American Idioms length [length] See: AT LENGTH, GO TO ANY LENGTH, KEEP AT A DISTANCE or KEEP AT ... A Dictionary of American Idioms hold off [hold off] {v.} 1a. To refuse to let (someone) become friendly. * /The president's high ... A Dictionary of American Idioms arm [arm] See: GIVE ONE'S RIGHT ARM, KEEP AT A DISTANCE Or KEEP AT ARM'S LENGTH, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms American Idioms American Idiomatic Expressions This online dictionary of idioms is based on original book by ... Dictionary of American Idioms distance [distance] See: KEEP AT A DISTANCE, KEEP ONE'S DISTANCE. A Dictionary of American Idioms

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