at loose ends

prepositional phrase

Without any activity or purpose.

“I am really at loose ends about this choice; I am between the proverbial rock and hard place.”

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Meanings

prepositional phrase
  1. CanadaUSWithout any activity or purpose.
  2. idiomaticIn an uncertain position or situation.

    I am really at loose ends about this choice; I am between the proverbial rock and hard place.

  3. Not in order; in confusion; carelessly managed.
Cite this entry
APA

at loose ends. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/at%20loose%20ends

MLA

“at loose ends.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/at%20loose%20ends. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “at loose ends,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/at%20loose%20ends.

Source: at loose ends on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.