loose cannon

Speech parts

1. loose cannon - Noun

2. loose cannon - Verb

3. loose cannon - Phrase

Meaning

a person who is expected to perform a particular task but who is out of control and dangerous

Source: WordNet

Synonyms

rascal maverick firebrand punk eccentric incendiary instigator agitator agent provocateur nonconformist demagogue evildoer mischief-maker inciter hellion

Show all synonyms

Antonyms

make-peace appeaser pacifier troubleshooter pacificator average person

Show all antonyms

Hypernyms

individual person soul mortal somebody someone

Examples

That was Hera. Her Majesty, the Loose Cannon. Rick Riordan

The regional security in the Middle East cannot be further compromised by an Iranian loose cannon. Russ Carnahan

Courtney Love is a loose cannon. She says what she thinks. She's wild on the red carpet. You get the best sound bites from Courtney Love. Steven Cojocaru

I'm politically inclined towards the left, but I don't like to be in anyone's gang; I'm a bit of a loose cannon. Joanne Harris

I don't think I'm made of the right stuff to be a politician. I think I'm made to be a loose cannon. Penn Jillette

Words in the phrase

loose cannon

Close letter words and terms

loose as a goose loose association loose box loose cannons loose canon loose cash