L

[loose ends]  {n.}

1. Parts or things that should be finished or put together.

Mary's composition had many loose ends.

When George came home after a long trip, he started picking up the loose ends.

2. See: [AT LOOSE ENDS].

[lord it over]  {v. phr.}

To act as the superior and master of; dominate; be bossy over; control.

John learned early to lord it over other children.

[Lord knows]

See: [GOD KNOWS].

[lose]

See: [HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE].

[lose face]  {v.}

To be embarrassed or shamed by an error or failure; lose dignity, influence or reputation; lose self-respect or the confidence of others.

* /Many Japanese soldiers were killed in World War II because they believed that to give up or  […]

[lose ground]  {v. phr.}

1. To go backward; retreat.

The soldiers began to lose ground when their leader was killed.

Compare: [GIVE GROUND].

2. To become weaker; get worse; not improve.

* /The sick man began to lose ground when his cough grew  […]

[lose heart]  {v. phr.}

To feel discouraged because of failure; to lose hope of success.

The team had won no games and it lost heart.

Contrast: [TAKE HEART].

[lose one's balance]

Contrast: [KEEP ONE'S BALANCE].

[lose one's grip]  {v. phr.}

To fail in control or command; lose your strength, force, or ability to lead.

Mr. Jones began to lose his grip: he no longer wanted the hard jobs, and he left decisions to others.

* /When a locomotive engineer loses his  […]

[lose one's head (over)]  {v. phr.}

1. To panic.

"Let's not lose our heads," the captain cried. "We have good lifeboats on this vessel."

2. To become deeply infatuated with someone.

Don't lose your head over Jane; she is already married.

 […]