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at loose ends

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at loose ends

not knowing what to do esp. because of some upsetting change. He was at loose ends when their long-term relationship broke up.

Etymology: based on the idea of a string or rope with ends that are not neatly tied together

See also: end, loose

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I've left my business hung up at loose ends between two oceans, and it's time to connect again. Captains Courageous by Kipling, Rudyard View in context Higginson's congratulatory eloquence, this appeared to be the one thing which Colonel Pyncheon, provident and sagacious as he was, had allowed to go at loose ends. House Of Seven Gables by Hawthorne, Nathaniel View in context More results

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