loose end

American  

noun

1. a part or piece left hanging, unattached, or unused.

   Remind me to tack down that loose end on the stairway carpet.

2. an unsettled detail, as of a business matter.

   The arrangements have been made, except for a few loose ends.

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idioms

1. at loose ends, in an uncertain or unsettled situation or position: Also at a loose end.

   Ever since leaving the company, he's been at loose ends.

loose end British  

noun

1. a detail that is left unsettled, unexplained, or incomplete

2. without purpose or occupation

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Etymology

Origin of loose end

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

loose end

When the goonies discover their hiding place, the Fratellis plot to snuff out this loose end, causing them to literally dig deeper into the house with the criminals hot on their trail.

From Salon ● Jun. 7, 2025

This left him at a loose end, as he’d already decided to take a break from commercial directing to focus on feature films.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 7, 2023

One loose end, Sasselov acknowledges, is that RAO has only been shown to lead to the synthesis of two of RNA’s four nucleotides, cytosine and uracil.

From Science Magazine ● Jun. 13, 2023

When the net dips, players tug on the loose end of the rope to pull it back up.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2022

“Grandma, there's a loose end in my mind.”

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck