语言小点心:at a loose end（在线收听）

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 originally used on:
a) ships
b) trains
c) aeroplanes

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 untied, or 'loose', and therefore were not being used properly.

B A