casting lots
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - Making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles, etc.) that are thrown or drawn: The act of deciding something randomly by using objects like straws, pebbles, or marked pieces of paper, where the outcome is determined by which object is drawn or selected.
Usage
- This term refers specifically to the process or event of using a random method to make a decision or select a person.
- It is often used in historical, religious, or formal contexts to describe a fair method of selection when no other objective criterion is available.
Examples
- Noun:
- The selection of the new leader was done by casting lots.
- To decide who would go first, they resorted to casting lots.
Advanced Usage
- "The casting of lots": A more formal variant with the same meaning.
- The ancient practice of the casting of lots was used to divine the will of the gods.
Variants and Related Words
- To cast lots (verb phrase): The action of making a decision by this random method.
- They agreed to cast lots to settle the dispute.
- Lot (noun): One of the objects used in this process, or the choice or share resulting from it.
- Draw lots (verb phrase): A near-synonymous phrase for the same action.
Synonyms
- Drawing lots: Making a selection by randomly choosing marked items.
- Sortition: The drawing of lots, especially as a method of selecting political officials (a more technical term).
Related Phrases
- Throw of the dice: An idiom referring to a risky or chance decision, though not identical to casting lots.
- Toss-up: An informal idiom for a situation where two outcomes are equally likely.
Noun
- making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn