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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

loose ends

Coordinating such a team was difficult and left loose ends.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026

Other loose ends from previous seasons include Rhaena’s quest to tame a wild dragon and the status of Rhaenyra’s youngest children who were sent away for their safety.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026

Given their limited attention span, the last thing a child needs is a film chock-full of loose ends to distract from the crux of the story.

From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2026

As you point out, however, they also require legal counsel and excellent organizational skills to make sure they’re not leaving any loose ends.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 3, 2026

Trip seemed grumpy and at loose ends, and Moody suspected—correctly—that he’d planned to meet Pearl and something had gone amiss.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng