A short one isnt kept at arms length (6)

I believe the answer is:

sleeve

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'a short' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sleeve that I've seen before include "It covers the arm" , "Covering for arm or record" , "Cover for a gramophone record" , "Part of a shirt or jacket" , "Garment's arm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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