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Examples of loose cannon in a Sentence
a politician who is regarded as a loose cannon by her colleagues
Recent Examples on the Web
Williams’s special, intended to capitalize on his reputation as a loose cannon, instantly disappeared into the cultural ether.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 6 May 2024
Human test pilots have a bit of a reputation thanks to popular culture—from The Right Stuff to Top Gun: Maverick, the profession has been portrayed as a place for loose cannons with a desire to go fast and break the rules.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Apr. 2024
After eight years with a loose cannon as president, Iranians began to support reformists who promised a return to normalcy.
—Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2021
That’s also because the movie has a quasi-magical force for good in the lovable lug who comes on like a loose cannon, threatening disaster at every turn, but somehow, with guilelessness and honesty, always manages to emerge smelling like roses.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loose cannon
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loose cannon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1889, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to loose cannon
Dictionary Entries Near loose cannon
Cite this Entry
“Loose cannon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loose%20cannon. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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