cast about
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To search anxiously or restlessly; to look around in an attempt to find something or to devise a plan.
Usage and Examples
The verb phrase 'cast about' describes the act of searching, often with a sense of urgency, uncertainty, or a lack of a clear direction. It implies looking around, trying different ideas, or seeking information from various sources.
Examples: - After losing his job, he began to cast about for new opportunities. - The team is casting about for a solution to the unexpected problem. - She cast about the room, looking for her misplaced keys.
Advanced Usage
- 'cast about for': This is the most common construction, specifying the object of the search (e.g., an idea, a solution, an answer).
- The researchers are casting about for more conclusive evidence.
- 'cast around': A variant with identical meaning and usage.
- He spent weeks casting around for a suitable topic for his thesis.
Variants and Related Words
- Cast around (for): A direct synonym, used interchangeably with "cast about (for)."
- Search (for): A more general and common synonym.
- Seek (out): To try to find or obtain something.
- Look (for): The most basic synonym.
Synonyms
- Search (for)
- Seek (for)
- Look (for)
- Hunt (for)
- Fish (for)
- Rummage (for)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Cast aside: To discard or reject.
- He cast aside his doubts and decided to proceed.
- Cast out: To expel or drive out.
- The community cast him out for his crimes.
Related Idioms
- Cast one's net wide: To consider many different possibilities or search in many different places.
- When looking for investors, it's wise to cast your net wide.
- Cast in the same mold: To be very similar in character.
- The two leaders were cast in the same mold.