# turn loose

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/turn-loose
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To release or let go; to permit (someone or something) to roam freely or to act freely.

## Examples

- The farmer decided to turn the horses loose in the field.
- After the long winter, we finally turned the dogs loose in the backyard to run around.
- The director turned the actors loose on stage, encouraging them to improvise their lines and explore the characters freely.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.