arms length responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arms length responsibility" is not a standard expression in written English, but it may be understood in context.
It can be used when discussing the concept of maintaining a certain distance or separation in responsibilities, often in legal or business contexts. Example: "In our partnership, we must ensure that we maintain arms length responsibility to avoid any conflicts of interest."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A porous border, allowing the free-flow of arms and men into Ukraine's troubled east — and arms-length responsibility — now looks to be a preferable option for those in Moscow supporting the rebels, rather than costly Crimean-style direct military intervention.

Vice

Generally, though, Germany were keeping the Scots at arms' length.

The Guardian - Sport

Decent people, at least, kept him at arms length.

Huffington Post

Stand at an arms length and don't stare.

Huffington Post

For years, she felt held at arms length.

Huffington Post

Her young daughter sat in a stroller within arms length, outside the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless.

Huffington Post

TPP was negotiated in secret, keeping civil society at arms length.

Huffington Post

At first she keeps the charming brood at arms' length, but Lea persists.

Huffington Post

This will keep you honest and in control thus keeping injury at arms length.

Huffington Post

If they reflected an arms' length, free market negotiation, I would support them.

Huffington Post

I have, in order to survive, built up a wall and held people at arms length.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arms length responsibility", ensure the context clearly establishes the separation and independence of the responsible party. This is especially important in legal, financial, or governmental settings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "arms length responsibility" implies a complete lack of oversight. It signifies independence, not necessarily detachment. Always clarify the reporting and accountability mechanisms in place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arms length responsibility" acts as a modifier, describing the nature of responsibility. It signifies a degree of separation or independence in how a duty is carried out. Ludwig highlights this usage, showing it often appears in contexts requiring impartiality.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arms length responsibility" describes a scenario where a duty or obligation is carried out with a degree of independence or separation, often to ensure fairness and objectivity. While Ludwig indicates this phrase is acceptable but not standard, it’s frequently used in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this term, it's essential to clarify the level of involvement and accountability to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "delegated accountability", "independent oversight", or "distanced accountability" might offer clearer communication in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delegated accountability

Focuses on the act of assigning accountability to another party.

independent oversight

Emphasizes the autonomy and supervision aspect of the responsibility.

distanced accountability

Highlights the separation between the responsible party and the action.

hands-off responsibility

Indicates a non-interventionist approach to fulfilling responsibilities.

indirect accountability

Suggests that the responsibility is mediated through another entity.

outsourced responsibility

Implies that the responsibility is contracted out to a third party.

non-interfering responsibility

Highlights a deliberate lack of intervention in the discharge of duties.

detached accountability

Focuses on the emotional or personal disengagement from the responsibility.

separate responsibility

Emphasizes the distinct nature of the assigned duty from other roles.

distributed accountability

Highlights how the responsibility is shared among various parties.

FAQs

How can "arms length responsibility" be used in a sentence?

You can use "arms length responsibility" to describe a situation where an entity has a duty or obligation that is maintained with a degree of independence or separation from direct control. For instance: "The regulatory body maintains "arms length responsibility" over the financial institutions to avoid conflicts of interest."

What does "arms length responsibility" mean in a business context?

In business, "arms length responsibility" often refers to transactions or relationships conducted fairly and independently, ensuring that there is no undue influence or conflict of interest. The goal is to maintain fairness and objectivity.

Are there specific situations where "arms length responsibility" is particularly important?

"Arms length responsibility" is critical in situations involving public funds, regulatory oversight, and corporate governance. It ensures that decisions are made without bias or preferential treatment. It could be useful to look at alternatives such as "independent oversight".

What are some potential downsides of having "arms length responsibility"?

While promoting independence, "arms length responsibility" may sometimes lead to a lack of coordination or communication between different entities, potentially resulting in inefficiencies or gaps in accountability. Therefore, establishing clear communication channels is crucial.