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
The fox was spotted several times overnight by searchers but remains on the loose, the zoo said.
—
Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2025
The practice gets a call about a snake on the loose over at Mrs. Pumphrey’s estate.
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 2 Feb. 2025
Editor's Note: One monkey has been captured, while 42 are still on the loose.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 10 Nov. 2024
The measure provides that dogs picked up on the loose would be impounded for four days and then destroyed or otherwise disposed of if not claimed.
—Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for on the loose 
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.
Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2025
The practice gets a call about a snake on the loose over at Mrs. Pumphrey’s estate.
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 2 Feb. 2025
Editor's Note: One monkey has been captured, while 42 are still on the loose.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 10 Nov. 2024
The measure provides that dogs picked up on the loose would be impounded for four days and then destroyed or otherwise disposed of if not claimed.
—Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for on the loose
Dictionary Entries Near on the loose
Cite this Entry
“On the loose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20loose. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share