What does the term "Loose Canon" mean and where did it come from?

Brainyblonde

The expression "loose cannon" or "loose cannon on deck" refers to an irresponsible and reckless individual whose behaviour (either intended or unintended) endangers the group he or she belongs to. The term originates in the Age of Sail, and wooden men-of-war. When a storm began, all cannons had to be securely fastened and tied in place; otherwise, they would roll uncontrolledly around the deck, causing havoc. A loose cannon, weighing hundreds of kilograms, would crush anything and anyone in its path, and possibly even break a hole in the hull, thus endangering the seaworthiness of the whole ship. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loose_cannon Aug 01 06, 8:15 AM

Priscilla9

It is someone who says and does things with spontaneity, without weighing costs or consequences, and gets them and everyone else around them, into trouble. Aug 01 06, 10:06 AM