loose cannon
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loose cannon
n. Slang
One that is uncontrolled and therefore poses danger: "[His] bloopers in the White House seem to make him . . . a political loose cannon" (Tom Morgenthau).
[From the threat posed by loose cannon rolling about a warship under sail.]
American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms:
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loose cannon
One who is uncontrolled and therefore a serious and unpredictable danger. For example, We can't trust her to talk to the press--she's a loose cannon. This metaphoric expression alludes to cannon mounted on the deck of a sailing ship, which if dislodged during combat or a storm could cause serious damage to both vessel and crew by sliding about. Its figurative use dates from the first half of the 1900s.
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categories related to 'loose cannon'
- Social Types, Norms, and Symbols - loose cannon: person whose reckless behavior endangers efforts or welfare of others
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Loose cannon
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Copyrights:
American Heritage Dictionary
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Random House Word Menu
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