on the loose

idiom

: able to move freely : not controlled or held in a prison, cage, etc.

—used especially to describe a dangerous person, animal, or group

The prisoner escaped and is still on the loose.

A killer is on the loose.

An angry mob was on the loose.

Examples of on the loose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The suspect is the target of a massive manhunt by authorities, but remains on the loose. —

People Staff, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 The shooter was still on the loose at the time of writing and officials have not yet declared a motive, but Thompson's death has been viewed as a tipping point of the brewing frustrations Americans have with their health care system and the insurance companies in charge. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Authorities do not believe there is a suspect on the loose. —

Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 This moose on the loose in a grocery parking lot was in the mood for a snack. —

Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for on the loose

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“On the loose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20loose. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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