loose ends

Idioms  

1. Unfinished details, incomplete business. For example, We've not quite finished the project; there are still some loose ends. This expression alludes to the ends of a rope or cable that should be fastened. [Mid-1800s] Also see at loose ends.

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Example Sentences

And Mr. Neville gives us a sense—not only through the audio but also in the fragmented imagery and abbreviated sequencing—of a superstar at loose ends.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

While beneficiary designations can seamlessly pass on money accounts and life insurance, there are other loose ends to tie up.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

Prison officer John Sneddon is part of the team at Barlinnie's Link Centre that ties up the loose ends prisoners leave behind on the outside.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

The loose ends won’t tie themselves together, but they’ll hold just long enough for Carrie to feel connected to a part of her father she couldn’t always figure out.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2025

Then he cut the other line closest to him and in the dark made the loose ends of the reserve coils fast.

From "The Old Man and The Sea" by Ernest Hemingway