in the loose—(of things) not packed or tied up:
- Auctioneers thread their way through the lanes of tobacco “in the loose” on the warehouse floors.
on the loose—
1. running around free after an escape from prison, captivity, etc.:
- Look out! There is a bear on the loose from the zoo.
2. free from the restraints of morality or discipline:
- Most kids enjoy being on the loose when they go to college.