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Loose cannon
01
a person who has lost their sanity, often momentarily
Idiom
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
animate
Plural form
loose cannons
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
Do n't rely on him for critical tasks; he 's proven to be a loose cannon with his unreliable actions.
