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.

Verb

1. search anxiously