on the loose

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on the loose

A playful puppy is on the loose in the backyard.

Definition
  1. Adjective Phrase:
    • Escaped and free, not confined or captured: Used to describe a person, animal, or thing that has gotten free from a place of confinement (like a prison, cage, or leash) and is now at large, often implying a potential danger or threat.
    • Acting in an uncontrolled or wild manner: Can describe someone behaving without restraint or in a reckless way.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective Phrase:
    • The police warned residents that a dangerous prisoner was on the loose.
    • After the storm, several farm animals were on the loose.
    • With the kids on the loose in the candy store, I knew we'd have a big bill.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be on the loose": This is the standard form of the phrase, functioning as a predicate adjective following a linking verb like "be" or "go."
    • The tiger went on the loose after the zoo enclosure was damaged.
  • The phrase often carries a connotation of something that should be contained or controlled being free, which can cause concern, excitement, or chaos depending on the context.
Variants and Related Words
  • At large (adj. phrase): A more formal synonym, often used in official contexts like police bulletins. (e.g., )
  • Loose (adj.): Not firmly or tightly fixed in place; not bound or confined. (e.g., , )
  • Escaped (adj.): Having broken free from confinement. (e.g., )
Synonyms
  • At large
  • Free
  • Unconfined
  • Fugitive (specifically for a person fleeing custody)
Related Phrases
  • Break loose: To escape or become free from restraint.
    • One of the horses broke loose from the fence.
  • Cut loose: To act in a free, uninhibited, or reckless way.
    • After the exams, the students cut loose at the beach.
  • Turn loose: To release or set free.
    • He turned the bird loose from its cage.
Related Idioms
  • Have a screw loose: To be slightly crazy or eccentric. (Note: This idiom uses "loose" but has a different meaning from "on the loose.")
    • I think he has a screw loose if he believes that story.
  • All hell broke loose: A situation suddenly became chaotic and uncontrollable.
    • When the fire alarm went off, all hell broke loose in the office.
on the loose

A playful puppy is on the loose in the backyard.

Adjective
  1. having escaped, especially from confinement
    • a convict still at large
    • searching for two escaped prisoners
    • dogs loose on the streets
    • criminals on the loose in the neighborhood

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