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Loose cannon
/lˈuːs kˈanən/
/lˈuːs kˈænən/
Loose cannon
[NOUN]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
1. That girl is a loose cannon.
2. You're loose cannons.
3. He's a loose cannon.
4. In those environments the ideal is the perfect soldier, so the loose cannon archetype is unheroic.
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