"Kept a distance" is a phrase that refers to maintaining a physical or emotional separation from someone or something. It implies deliberately avoiding getting too close, either in a literal or metaphorical sense.
In a literal sense, "kept a distance" can mean maintaining physical space between oneself and others, perhaps due to personal preferences, a desire for privacy, or respecting personal boundaries. It suggests an intentional act of staying at a certain distance away from someone or a particular situation. This may occur in social scenarios, where an individual consciously avoids close physical proximity to others, maintaining a certain distance between themselves and others.
Metaphorically, "kept a distance" implies maintaining an emotional or psychological separation from someone or something. It can indicate a conscious decision to create a sense of detachment, for example, in order to maintain objectivity, protect oneself from emotional vulnerability, or establish clear boundaries in relationships. This could happen in situations where an individual wants to avoid getting too emotionally involved or attached to someone, organization, or particular circumstance.
Overall, this phrase suggests a deliberate effort to maintain a certain level of separation, either physically or emotionally, in order to create a sense of personal space, privacy, objectivity, or emotional protection.
