Bedeutung
to have unpredictable people involved
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Danish corporate culture, 'løse kanoner' are often viewed through the lens of 'tillid' (trust). Because Danish work culture is based on high levels of autonomy, a 'loose cannon' who abuses that autonomy is seen as a major threat to the social contract of the workplace. Denmark was a major naval power. Many Danish idioms, including this one, come from the sea, reflecting the country's historical reliance on shipping and the navy. Danish political commentators use this phrase constantly to describe 'rebel' members of parliament (MF'ere) who don't follow the 'partilinje' (party line). While the phrase is used globally, in a Danish context, it is often used more subtly to discourage individualistic behavior that hasn't been cleared by the group first.
Use it in Politics
If you want to sound like a native political analyst, use this phrase when a politician goes rogue. It's the most common high-level context.
Not for Friends
Be careful using this about friends unless you are joking. It implies they are a liability or 'trouble'.
Bedeutung
to have unpredictable people involved
Use it in Politics
If you want to sound like a native political analyst, use this phrase when a politician goes rogue. It's the most common high-level context.
Not for Friends
Be careful using this about friends unless you are joking. It implies they are a liability or 'trouble'.
The 'Ship' Metaphor
Danes love maritime metaphors. Using this shows you understand the historical soul of the language.
Teste dich selbst
Udfyld den manglende del af idiomet.
Vi kan ikke stole på ham i denne sag; han er en ___ kanon.
Idiomet er 'en løs kanon'.
Hvilken situation beskriver bedst en 'løs kanon'?
Hvem er en løs kanon?
En løs kanon er uforudsigelig og skader sin egen side.
Vælg det rigtige svar for at færdiggøre samtalen.
A: Skal vi invitere Peter med til strategimødet? B: Nej, det er for farligt. ___
Det passer i konteksten, hvor det er 'farligt' (risikabelt) at have ham med.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenVi kan ikke stole på ham i denne sag; han er en ___ kanon.
Idiomet er 'en løs kanon'.
Hvem er en løs kanon?
En løs kanon er uforudsigelig og skader sin egen side.
A: Skal vi invitere Peter med til strategimødet? B: Nej, det er for farligt. ___
Det passer i konteksten, hvor det er 'farligt' (risikabelt) at have ham med.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenYes, in 95% of cases. It implies a risk of damage. Occasionally, it can be used affectionately for someone 'wild', but the underlying meaning is still unpredictability.
No, it's almost exclusively used for people or groups of people.
Løse kanoner.
Yes, it is commonly used in business journalism and management discussions.
Similar, but 'wildcard' can be positive. A 'loose cannon' is specifically a wildcard that might blow up your own ship.
Verwandte Redewendungen
at skyde med spredehagl
similarTo act or speak without a clear target or focus.
en løsgående missil
synonymA modern version of a loose cannon.
at gå enegang
similarTo act alone without consulting others.
at være helt ude af kurs
contrastTo be completely off track.
en sort svane
specialized formAn unpredictable event with major consequences.
