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UKat loose ends
/at lˈuːs ˈɛndz/
/æt lˈuːs ˈɛndz/at loose ends
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "at loose ends" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "at loose ends" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the literal meaning of "loose ends" as unfinished or untied strands. It is commonly employed when discussing periods of transition, post-major life events, or when individuals find themselves without specific plans, obligations, or commitments.
Examples
1. At this point it may sound like a very typical college graduate story at loose ends worried about the future.
2. Michelle is someone who really is at loose ends with her life, doesn't know what she's going to do, doesn't know how she's going to cope with the betrayal and the fact that she suddenly has nothing.
3. And they're at loose ends trying to figure this out.
4. When the wall fell in 1989, Soviet intelligence services were kind of at loose ends, nobody knew what was going to become of them.
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