CEFR C1

loose cannon

noun

Meaning

An unpredictable or reckless person who acts without considering the consequences and can cause significant damage to others.

Examples

  • He is a loose cannon who frequently ignores safety protocols during high-stakes experiments.
  • The politician became a loose cannon, making controversial statements that alienated his own party members.

Synonyms: wild card, maverick, unpredictable, reckless