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

"It's not exactly surprising that in a process and negotiation that has been this challenging and this fraught, you may get a loose end," he told a press conference in Washington.

From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2025

Emma Stone had a major loose end to tie up backstage Sunday after winning her second Academy Award.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2024

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

I cannot remember being at a loose end here, in the summer holidays when I was your age.’

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill