Keep at a distance - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
idioms.thefreedictionary.com › keep+at+a+distancekeep (someone or something) at a distance. 1. To prevent someone, something, or oneself from interacting or becoming involved (with someone or something else). Usually followed by "from someone or something." The government has so far been keeping the country at a distance from the hostilities in the region. My mother was very overprotective, and she always kept me at a distance from anything or anyone she thought might be harmful.