This blatant lack of an arms-length relationship with suppliers was only the first thing that raised questions in his mind.

Indeed, the issue is often used as a metaphor for Britain's wary, arms-length relationship with the rest of Europe.

The lab that certifies gambling equipment has an arms-length relationship with the manufacturers it polices, and is open to inquiries from the public.

They are completely independent of the police and have an arms-length relationship with the government.

The arms-length relationship seems to work for both sides.

But we've always understood that we had to keep a certain arms-length relationship with the United States.

Europeans are accustomed to cozy cohabitation between politicians and businessmen; Americans tend to insist on at least the appearance of an arms-length relationship.

It was a helpful, arms-length relationship, lasting nine years.

Cabinet ministers are required to keep an arms-length relationship with any business they own to avoid a conflict of interest.

There needs to be an arms-length relationship between writing the legislation and promoting the legislation.