"Most fast and loose" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone's careless and unpredictable behavior, often involving lack of consideration for rules or ethics. This phrase originates from a combination of two separate idioms: "fast and loose" and "most."
The term "fast and loose" originally referred to a cheating game, known as the "pricking the garter," played during medieval times. In this game, a belt or garter was tightly intertwined around a series of pegs, and players had to untangle the belt without removing the pegs. Unscrupulous gamblers would manipulate the belt by loosening it when others tried to untangle it, hence playing "fast and loose." Over time, the expression evolved to describe individuals who deceive or play deceitful tricks, displaying a disregard for rules, fairness, or integrity.
When the word "most" is incorporated into this expression, it intensifies the level of unreliability and unscrupulousness in a person's behavior. It emphasizes that the individual is the epitome of being careless, reckless, or irresponsible, with an abundance of disregard for consequences or moral standards. When someone is described as "most fast and loose," it suggests their actions are even more extreme and flagrant than usual in terms of disregarding the rules or engaging in unethical behavior.
In summary, when the phrase "most fast and loose" is used, it indicates a person's behavior is characterized by an extreme carelessness, unpredictability, and disregard for rules, ethics, or fairness.
