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

His strategies often involve exploiting legal loopholes and tying up loose ends in court.

From Los Angeles Times

In July, Paramount managers were eager to tie up loose ends to facilitate the company’s sale to David Ellison’s Skydance Media and RedBird Capital Partners.

From Los Angeles Times

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

"For all of those people to be at a loose end when this is the charity that is meant to raise them up more than anybody - that's where it's deeply frustrating and really upsetting."

From BBC

The screwdrivers are our apps, tightening such loose ends of daily life as banking, calendars, reminders.

From The Wall Street Journal