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.
“Currently the logic is not to escalate, and when you put in a player that is a loose cannon in the mix, you lose control of the situation.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
“He had to protect himself from his loose cannon partner over here,” he said.
From Salon ● Jan. 21, 2026
That’s not to say that Harris is best as a loose cannon.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 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
Increasingly, the higher-ups at the agency came to see William as a loose cannon.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
