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loose ends

Idioms  
  1. 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.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal

“There’s just too many loose ends and too many things that could go awry,” said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond School of Law.

From Los Angeles Times

“He didn’t like circumstantial evidence. He felt there were too many loose ends.”

From Los Angeles Times