ENGLISH
REFERENCE

loose end

idiom
Meaning

A small job that needs to be done, or minor problem that needs to be resolved, before a task can be considered complete.


Examples
SIMPLE

I have one loose end to finish before I leave work.

CONTEXTUAL

Before we can officially close the project, we need to tie up every remaining loose end.

COMPLEX

The detective reviewed his notes one last time, determined to resolve every loose end before presenting his final report to the chief.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all bedlam breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  2. 02

    all ends up

    Completely; totally.

  3. 03

    all hell breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  4. 04

    arse end of nowhere

    A very remote place.

  5. 05

    big end of town

    The top end of town.

  6. 06

    bitter end

    The end of a long and difficult process.

  7. 07

    burn the candle at both ends

    To work hard night and day; to sleep late and wake up early; to overwork or overexert oneself.

  8. 08

    business end

    The part of an object (chiefly a tool or weapon) that is physically used for its operation, rather than some other part such as the part by which it is held.

Last updated April 17, 2026