This is because you approach everything as a total person, with no loose ends hanging out to signify divided intentions.

No money, no job, no friends. He was truly at loose ends.

I'm tying up some loose ends.

My uncle has retired so he is at loose ends.

With his wife and children in the country, he was at loose ends for something to do.

Being a very particular person he always ties up loose ends whatever he does.

Tom was at a loose end, so he went to the pub for a few beers.

We don't want to leave any loose ends.

There are no loose ends.

A few loose ends remain to be cleared up.