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.
His mother doesn't acknowledge that Ruben is a loose cannon loaded with vast quantities of gunpowder.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 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
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
Walters, however, did not accept the apology and instead, called Behar "a loose cannon."
From Salon • Jun. 22, 2022
“If you want to tie down a loose cannon, you can’t give it much rope, follow?”
From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
