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.

At a distance

The most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence is at a distance.

The idiom "keep someone at arm's length" means to avoid getting too close to someone. It is often used to describe someone who is cautious or distrustful of others.

In the given sentence, the lawyer is described as an ardent professional. This means that he is very dedicated to his work and takes his job very seriously. As a result, he keeps his clients at arm's length, meaning that he avoids getting too close to them.

The other options are incorrect:

• Away from each other: This is not the meaning of the idiom "keep someone at arm's length."
• Under wraps: This idiom means to keep something secret.
• Alert and prepared: This idiom means to be ready for anything.