keep arm's length
verb
Roget 717:
defend,
forfend,
fend;
shield,
screen,
shroud;
engarrison†;
fend round
etc.
(circumscribe)
229;
fence,
entrench,
intrench†;
guard
etc.
(keep safe)
664;
guard against;
take care of
etc.
(vigilance)
459;
bear harmless;
fend off,
keep off,
ward off,
beat off,
beat back;
hinder
etc.
706.
parry,
repel,
propugn†,
put to flight;
give a warm reception to [Iron.];
hold at bay,
keep at bay,
keep arm's length.
stand on the defensive,
act on the defensive;
show fight;
maintain one's ground,
stand one's ground;
stand by;
hold one's own;
bear the brunt,
stand the brunt;
fall back upon,
hold,
stand in the gap.
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