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Loose cannon

Loose cannon

Meaning

Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage by being reckless.

Examples

These negotiations with the Chinese are at a critical stage. Keep Jack out of it, he’s just the sort of loose cannon that would say the wrong thing and upset them.

Where did it originate?

Britain. 19th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Loose cannon

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