The onlookers stood at a respectful distance.

旁观者站在一定的距离之外，以示尊敬。

《牛津词典》

With those two wooden feet of his, he worked so fast that his opponents kept at a respectful distance.

他的两只脚是木头做的，动作很快，踢得对手们都敬而远之。

youdao

We kept her at a respectful distance.

我们对她敬而远之。

youdao

We are allowed to admire these dignitaries and note their measured gestures, but we are kept at a respectful distance.

WSJ: Civic Pride | National Gallery of Art | Washington Double Dutch | By Karen Wilkin

At the train station, he was recognized, but his fans kept a respectful distance, as if they sensed he was engaged and would be around later anyway.

WSJ: Still Close to His Roots | Johnny Marr | Cultural Conversation by Jim Fusilli