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Loose Cannon

What Does "Loose Cannon" Mean?

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"Loose cannon" is an English idiom. It means "a person who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "loose cannon" used in a sentence:
  • He's a loose cannon; you never know what he'll say next.
  • The politician is seen as a loose cannon by his colleagues.
  • Without proper training, she's a loose cannon on the project.
meaning for loose cannon

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Loose Cannon" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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