不即不离
bù​jí​bù​lí

to keep at arm's length

  1. 不 bù adverb
    not
    Negative adverb used before verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs to indicate negation; also used as a bound-form prefix to form terms with opposite meanings
  2. 即 jí
    to approach
    (bound form) to reach; to come into contact with; to draw near
  3. 不 bù adverb
    not
    Negative adverb used before verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs to indicate negation; also used as a bound-form prefix to form terms with opposite meanings
  4. 离 離 lí verb
    to leave
    to leave; to depart; to part from one another