loose cannon

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“He had to protect himself from his loose cannon partner over here,” he said.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

Some of the grapevine talk has gotten back to her — how she’s a loose cannon or stirring the pot to cover up for complaints accusing her of misconduct.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2024

Door staff and witnesses told the trial that O'Pray had been a "loose cannon" and was "very erratic" that night.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2023

Nixon and Kissinger saw him as a loose cannon, and they wondered whether he was divulging these secrets, possibly to foreign agents.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2023

They must think Hudson is a loose cannon and I’m the summer school know-it-all.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera