The phrase "any which way but loose" is an idiomatic expression meaning in every possible direction except freely or loosely. More generally, "every which way" means "in all or many directions in a random or disorganized fashion." The full phrase gained popular recognition as the title of a 1978 American action comedy film starring Clint Eastwood, where it conveys a sense of chaotic, rough, and unrestrained movement or behavior.
"Any which way but loose" literally suggests "in any manner or direction, but not loose," i.e., something happening with all sorts of twists and turns but not uncontrolled or free. The phrase has cultural resonance due to the movie's popularity, but its idiomatic roots imply movement or action going every possible way except unrestrainedly. In summary, the phrase means turning or moving in all possible directions except freely and loosely. It conveys a sense of being scattered or uncontrolled but not completely unrestricted.
