loose

[luหs]

loose Definition

  • 1not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached
  • 2not fitting tightly or closely
  • 3not strict or exact

Using loose: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "loose" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The screw is loose and needs tightening.

  • Example

    She wore a loose dress to the party.

  • Example

    The teacher gave us loose guidelines for the project.

  • Example

    He has a loose grip on reality.

loose Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with loose

  • a person who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check

    Example

    He's a loose cannon, you never know what he's going to do next.

  • loose lips sink ships

    a warning to avoid unguarded talk that might give useful information to the enemy

    Example

    Remember, loose lips sink ships. Don't talk about the mission outside of this room.

  • to behave freely and uninhibitedly

    Example

    After the exams were over, we cut loose and went out to celebrate.

Origins of loose

from Old Norse 'lauss'

๐Ÿ“Œ

Summary: loose in Brief

The term 'loose' [luหs] refers to something not firmly or tightly fixed in place, not fitting tightly or closely, or not strict or exact. It spans contexts from physical objects like screws to abstract concepts like guidelines, exemplified by 'The teacher gave us loose guidelines for the project.' 'Loose' extends into phrases like 'loose cannon,' referring to unpredictable people, and 'cut loose,' meaning to behave freely.

How do native speakers use this expression?