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Loose cannon

British pronunciation/lˈuːs kˈanən/
American pronunciation/lˈuːs kˈænən/
Loose cannon
[NOUN]
1

a person or thing that is dangerously out of control

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loose cannon definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "loose cannon" and when to use it?

The idiom "loose cannon" originated from nautical terminology. In the era of sailing ships, a "loose cannon" referred to a cannon that had broken free from its moorings during naval battles. It is used to describe a person who is unpredictable, impulsive, and not under control, often acting in a way that can cause harm or problems.

Examples
1That girl is a loose cannon.
2You're loose cannons.
3He's a loose cannon.
4In those environments the ideal is the perfect soldier, so the loose cannon archetype is unheroic.
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