at loose ends
Related to at loose ends: out of whack, same old same old, pay a visit, along the lines, can't hack it, worse for wear, To Say the Least
at loose ends
Uneasy, typically due to some problem or unresolved issue. I've been at loose ends since that fight with my mother. I hope he finds a job soon—he's been at loose ends ever since getting laid off.
See also: end, loose
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
*at loose ends
restless and unsettled; unemployed. (*Typically: be ~; leave someone ~.) Just before school starts, all the children are at loose ends. Jane has been at loose ends ever since she lost her job.
See also: end, loose
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
at loose ends
In an unsettled or uncertain situation. For example, This whole visit has left me feeling restless, constantly at loose ends, or Jane couldn't find a job this year and so is at loose ends for the summer. [Mid-1800s]
See also: end, loose
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
at loose ends
mod. nervous and anxious; bored with nothing to do; unemployed. Tom usually works puzzles whenever he’s at loose ends.
See also: end, loose
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
at loose ends
Without a clear purpose or regular occupation; unsettled in one's affairs: "At loose ends with family gone ... I joined some clubs thinking to find companionship and enrich my life" (Ruth Daniels).
See also: end, loose
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- loose ends
- some loose ends
- the loose ends/threads
- let loose of
- let loose of (someone or something)
- a bone of contention
- bone of contention
- contention
- cut one loose
- cut (one's) wolf loose