keep (someone) at a distance
idiomPart ofdistance
keep (someone) at a distance — idiom
1. to avoid becoming too friendly or emotionally close with someone; to maintain a
1.idiom
Definition
to avoid becoming too friendly or emotionally close with someone; to maintain a deliberate separation
Example
Christopher kept his new colleague at a distance until he learned to trust her.
Some wild animals keep humans at a distance and will run away if you come too near.