on the loose

Definitions

At large; having escaped from confinement or custody.

Free to move about without restraint or control.

Examples

The police issued a warning to residents because a dangerous criminal is currently on the loose.

After the gate was left open, the neighborhood was on high alert with a stray dog on the loose.

Synonyms

at large escaped free unrestrained on the run unconfined

Antonyms

captured imprisoned confined restrained locked up apprehended