语言小点心:at a loose end

1. If you are at a loose end, are you:
a) busy, with lots to do?
b) free, and looking for something to do?
c) lost?

2. This expression was originally¹ used on:
a) ships
b) trains
c) aeroplanes²

Today on Language Snacks we take a look at the expression at a loose end. Let’s listen to the dialogue.

A: Hi! Do you want to have lunch?

B: Sure, but I thought you had a meeting with John.

A: Oh, he had to cancel, so I'm at a loose end.

B: Great, I'll just get my coat.

Most of us lead very busy lives these days, but do you ever finish everything you have to do and find that you have a bit of spare time to fill? In these situations, when we have free time, but we don't know what to do with it, we say we are at a loose end. 

This expression was originally about sailors' ropes which had become untied³, or 'loose', and therefore were not being used properly.

B A

1 originally   

adv.本来，原来，最初，就起源而论，独创地

参考例句：

• Originally I didn't want to go.我本意不想去。
• After much discussion they settled on the plan originally proposed.他们讨论了很久，然后确定了原来提出的那个计划。

2 aeroplanes   

n.飞机( aeroplane的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Most countries refuse to give sanctuary to people who hijack aeroplanes. 大多数国家拒绝对劫机者提供庇护。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The boy has become fascinated with making model aeroplanes. 这孩子做飞机模型都入了迷了。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

3 untied   

松开，解开( untie的过去式和过去分词 )； 解除，使自由； 解决

参考例句：

• Once untied, we common people are able to conquer nature, too. 只要团结起来，我们老百姓也能移山倒海。
• He untied the ropes. 他解开了绳子。