at a loose end

/atə lˈuːs ˈɛnd/

/æɾə lˈuːs ˈɛnd/

[phrase]

at a loose end

[PHRASE]

used to describe someone who has no plans or obligations, often feeling uncertain about how to spend their time

Examples

1. It was a five-month-long arranged marriage and now she finds herself at a loose end, longing for Pepsi and chips, while her husband’s family gathers.

2. The moment that they are at a loose end, anxiety arises: what are they meant to be doing?