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
Following the clues his father has tantalizingly left behind, Dan concludes that there’s a new killer on the loose, targeting people connected to the Pied Piper murders.
—
Sarah Lyall, New York Times, 1 June 2025
The teen was able to run home safely but her attacker is still on the loose.
—Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 26 May 2025
His accomplice, described as Hispanic and sporting tattoos on both arms, glasses and a beard, remained on the loose Wednesday.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Six men remain on the loose, some of whom are facing serious charges including second-degree murder.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the loose
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Sarah Lyall, New York Times, 1 June 2025
The teen was able to run home safely but her attacker is still on the loose.
—Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 26 May 2025
His accomplice, described as Hispanic and sporting tattoos on both arms, glasses and a beard, remained on the loose Wednesday.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Six men remain on the loose, some of whom are facing serious charges including second-degree murder.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 9 Jun. 2025.
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