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 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
Flaco’s Kingdom: Before his demise, the Eurasian eagle-owl’s escape from the Central Park Zoo and subsequent life on the loose captured the public’s attention and hearts.
—Elisabeth Egan, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for on the loose 
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Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Flaco’s Kingdom: Before his demise, the Eurasian eagle-owl’s escape from the Central Park Zoo and subsequent life on the loose captured the public’s attention and hearts.
—Elisabeth Egan, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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
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 10 Feb. 2025.
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