be at large
if a dangerous person or animal is at large, they have escaped from somewhere or have not been caught

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

at large
1.
most of.
The public at large doesn't take the problem seriously.

2.
not in prison.
Police arrested one man, but the other suspects in the robbery are still at large.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

at large
to be free, to be uncaptured
The criminal was at large for over three months.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

at large
adv. or adj. phr.
1. Not kept within walls, fences, or boundaries; free.
The killer remained at large for weeks.
Compare: AT LIBERTY.
Cattle and sheep roamed at large on the big ranch.
2. In a broad, general way; at length; fully.
The superintendent talked at large for an hour about his hopes for a new school building.
3. As a group rather than as individuals; as a whole; taken together.
The junior class at large was not interested in a senior yearbook.
4. As a representative of a whole political unit or area rather than one of its parts; from a city rather than one of its wards, or a state rather than one of its districts.
He was elected congressman at large.
Aldermen are voted for at large.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲