Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
loose cannon. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
loose cannon, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
loose cannon in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
loose cannon you have here. The definition of the word
loose cannon will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
loose cannon, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Noun
loose cannon (plural loose cannons)
- (nautical) A cannon that breaks loose from its moorings on a ship during battle or storm, with the potential to cause serious damage to the ship and her crew.
- (idiomatic, by extension) An uncontrolled or unpredictable person who causes damage to their own team, faction, political party, etc.
Jack is considered a loose cannon due to his volatile personality and his track record of being unable to maintain his composure.
2013, “Post Party Depression”, in Rogue Taxidermy, performed by Days N' Daze:Sooner or later this party gets busted and all your friends stumble back home
But you're the loose cannon who could never be trusted so you'll hide from the cops all alone.
Translations
Verb
loose cannon (third-person singular simple present loose cannons, present participle loose cannoning, simple past and past participle loose cannoned)
- (idiomatic) To behave in a way such as to cause damage to one's own faction, political party, etc.
2006, Gerry McCusker, Public Relations Disasters: Talespin--Inside Stories and Lessons Learnt, page 179:Gerald's loose cannoning triggered a volley of faithfully quoted media coverage which blasted a hole in his company's profits […]