at loose ends

Idioms  

1. In an unsettled or uncertain situation. For example, This whole visit has left me feeling restless, constantly at loose ends, or Jane couldn't find a job this year and so is at loose ends for the summer. [Mid-1800s]

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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

So much so that when Lourdes Lopez, the director of Miami City Ballet, reached out to him, eager to help a Ukrainian dancer at loose ends, he hesitated.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2024

One blazing afternoon in the summer of 1973, Rudy Calvo found himself at loose ends.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2023

You can lurk in an uncomfortable limbo state, feeling at loose ends.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2021

Trip seemed grumpy and at loose ends, and Moody suspected—correctly—that he’d planned to meet Pearl and something had gone amiss.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng