loose ends

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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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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby loose ends

loosebox, loose cannon, loose change, loose cover, loose end, loose ends, loose-fitting, loose-footed, loose forward, loose head, loose-jointed

How to use loose ends in a sentence

The SBU appears to be covering tracks, getting rid of evidence, tying up loose ends.
Photographs Expose Russian-Trained Killers in Kiev|Jamie Dettmer|March 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Round and round in circles, no loose ends left over, and it all made for a comforting sense of completeness.
What It Was Like to Watch the Beatles Become the Beatles—Nik Cohn Remembers|Nik Cohn|February 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There are many loose ends surrounding the crime and the bickering, even though somewhat abated, will undoubtedly flare again.
Brunello’s King Lear: Gianfranco Soldera Reflects on the Attack on His Wine|Alice Feiring|December 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It was a relentlessly plot-driven show, and the writers were very good about making connections and tying up loose ends.
Whatever Happened to ‘Prison Break’ Hunk Wentworth Miller?|Ramin Setoodeh|March 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST

As I packed up to leave Philadelphia, I decided to tie up loose ends, including Shon.
Busting a Cyberstalker: How Carla Franklin Fought Back—and Triumphed|Abigail Pesta|October 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He twisted the loose ends back and tacked the flat arch thus made to the top and inner posts of the trellis.
The Idyl of Twin Fires|Walter Prichard Eaton
The German youth was wearing an old-fashion tippet around his neck, the loose ends flying behind.
The Rover Boys on the Farm|Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)
I knew your father wanted a successor—some one who'd try and tie up the loose ends.
Tales Of Men And Ghosts|Edith Wharton
You see, mother dear, Ill need to get all the loose ends up out of the way if I go back even for three days!
Winona of the Camp Fire|Margaret Widdemer
I said this afternoon that my reconstruction was not wholly satisfactory, because there were several loose ends in it.
The Shrieking Pit|Arthur J. Rees

loose ends

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How to use loose ends in a sentence