on the loose

1. Acting without restraint, as in After the game the players were in town, on the loose . [Mid-1700s]

2. At large, free, as in That dog of theirs is on the loose all the time . [Second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

After more than five days on the loose, he was located by a drone and then shot with a tranquiliser dart before being returned to the zoo.

From BBC

The amateur detectives are, once again, on the loose.

From Los Angeles Times

Now on the loose, Getnet came looking for Heaven's mother with a gun.

From BBC

“Watch your footing on the loose rocks,” I say.

From Literature

The missing zebra, a Western Washington sensation, was found near North Bend on Friday night after nearly a week on the loose.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• able
• at large
• clear
• easy
• independent
• loose
• open
• unfettered
• unrestricted