"At some remove" is an idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of distance or separation between two things or entities. It implies that there is a certain degree of separation or detachment between them, either physically, emotionally, or conceptually.
The phrase is often used in a figurative sense, suggesting a level of indirectness or indirect connection between two ideas, events, or individuals. It emphasizes that there is a degree of separation and detachment, which can lead to a different perspective or understanding.
For example, if someone says "I knew him at some remove," it means they had indirect acquaintance or knowledge of the person, perhaps through mutual friends or hearing about them from others, rather than having a direct personal relationship.
In a broader sense, "at some remove" can also be used to describe a temporal or spatial distance. It can imply that something is not happening in immediate proximity but is taking place at a certain distance away, either in time or space.
Overall, "at some remove" denotes a certain level of separation, detachment, or indirectness, suggesting a difference in perspective or understanding between two parties. It functions as a way to qualify the relationship or connection between two entities, emphasizing the presence of a certain level of distance or separation.
