Asked in: IB ACIO 2023 T-1 · SSC CGL 2022 T-1
at arm's length in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CGL 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
Being an ardent professional, the lawyer always kept his clients at an arm’s length.Answer & explanation
Answer: C) At a distance
Answer: At a distance
Explanation:
• At arm’s length means keeping someone or something at a distance (दूरी पर), i.e., not getting too close.
• The other options are:
• Under wraps – kept secret (गुप्त रूप से)
• Alert and prepared – ready for action (चौकस और तैयार)
• Away from each other – literally separated (एक दूसरे से दूर)
Only at a distance conveys the idiomatic sense of maintaining a professional boundary. - IB ACIO 2023 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the correct conclusion based on the meaning of the underlined idiom:
It should be one’s avowed policy to keep the flatterers at arm’s length.
Conclusion:
1. The farther a person stays from flatterers, the better it is.
2. Having flatterers around boosts one’s self-confidence.
3. Flatterers are not true well-wishers and should be kept at bay.Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Both 1 and 3 are correct
Explanation:
The idiom "at arm’s length" means to keep someone at a safe distance—neither close nor trusted (सुरक्षित दूरी पर रखना).
• 1. "The farther a person stays from flatterers, the better it is." ✅ (Represents keeping them at a distance.)
• 3. "Flatterers are not true well-wishers and should be kept at bay." ✅ (Also suggests they should be kept at a distance.)
• 2. "Having flatterers around boosts one’s self-confidence." ❌ (Opposite to the meaning of the idiom.)
So, Both 1 and 3 are correct.
at arm's length – questions
Has at arm's length been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – at arm's length has been asked 2 times in SSC exams: IB ACIO 2023 T-1, SSC CGL 2022 T-1.