turn loose: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘turn loose’ mean?
The idiom "turn loose" means to release or set someone or something free, allowing them to act or move without constraint or control.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "walk free" means to be acquitted or released from prison without facing punishment for a crime or wrongdoing.
The idiom "take liberties" means to act in a way that is not appropriate or allowed, often by exceeding boundaries or disregarding rules or norms.
The idiom "on the loose" means to be free or not captured, often used to describe a person, animal, or thing that is roaming or causing trouble.
When someone "loosens the apron strings," it means they are allowing someone who is dependent on them to become more independent and self-reliant.
The idiom "loosen someone's tongue" means to make someone more willing to speak or reveal information, often by creating a relaxed or friendly atmosphere. It implies a change in someone's willingness to communicate openly.
The idiom "loose end" means an unresolved or unfinished task or situation.
The idiom "let someone go" means to allow someone to leave or end a relationship, usually in a work context, such as firing an employee or ending a romantic relationship.
The idiom *let slip* means to accidentally reveal something that was supposed to be kept secret or to accidentally lose control of a situation. It can also mean to miss an opportunity or to fail to take advantage of something. The idiom is often used when someone unintentionally says or does something that they shouldn't have, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Unleashing Power
"let loose" is a related idiom that shares similarities with "turn loose." Like "turn loose," "let loose" also means to release or set free someone or something. However, "let loose" has a slightly different connotation. While "turn loose" implies a deliberate action, "let loose" suggests a more spontaneous or uncontrolled release. For example, you might "turn loose" a dog that was being held on a leash, but you might "let loose" a dog that is excitedly pulling at the leash. The phrase "let loose" can also be used in a figurative sense to mean to relax or enjoy oneself freely, without inhibition.
"cut loose" is another related idiom that is similar to "turn loose." While "cut loose" also means to release or set free, it often implies a more abrupt or decisive action. "Cut loose" is often used to describe severing ties or breaking free from something or someone that is holding you back or restraining you. For example, you might "cut loose" from a toxic relationship or a job that is no longer fulfilling. The phrase "cut loose" can also be used to describe letting go or having fun without worry or restraint. It suggests a sense of liberation and embracing one's freedom.
The idiom "turn loose" is a versatile expression that can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. It conveys the idea of releasing or setting free someone or something that was previously restrained. The related idioms "let loose" and "cut loose" share similar meanings, with "let loose" suggesting a more spontaneous or uncontrolled release, and "cut loose" implying a more decisive or abrupt action. These idioms all evoke a sense of liberation, whether it be physical, emotional, or metaphorical. They remind us of the importance of allowing ourselves and others the freedom to act, think, and express without unnecessary constraints.
Example usage
Examples:
- After finishing the race, the exhausted runner turned loose a sigh of relief.
- The teacher decided to turn loose her students during their group project to see what innovative ideas they would come up with.
- Despite being warned by her friends, Sarah decided to turn loose her pet hamster in the park.
More "Verb" idioms
