cast around

cast around

1. Literally, to throw, toss, or hurl something in multiple different directions or all around some place. A noun or pronoun can be used between "cast" and "around." A worker forgot to put the safety shield on the digging equipment, so it started casting around stones and dirt the moment it was turned on. The kids tore open their presents, casting bits of cardboard and wrapping paper around the room.
2. To turn or direct a look, gaze, attention, etc., in multiple different directions or all around some place. A noun or pronoun can be used between "cast" and "around." I cast my eyes around the auditorium, but I couldn't see my family anywhere in the audience. You could see from the nervous glances she was casting around that she was not comfortable in the situation whatsoever.
3. To aim something, such as criticism, accusation, distrust, etc., in a careless or flippant manner. A noun or pronoun can be used between "cast" and "around." Hold on, hold on. Let's see some evidence before you start casting around accusations like that.
4. To search for or seek something, especially by looking aimlessly or in many different places. Usually followed by "for." Although Pam has taken classes in a variety of disciplines during her three years at college, she's still casting around for a major. The director pulled out at the last minute, so we've been casting around for a replacement.
5. To plan or come up with something, especially in a hasty, haphazard, or aimless manner. Usually followed by "for." We cast around for a solution to the problem, but I knew that the project was beyond salvation.
See also: around, cast
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • piece out
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • rescue from
  • rescue from (someone or something)
  • arrange for
  • arrange for some time
  • arrange some music for
  • back into (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
As soon as he gained the power to build, he cast around for a suitable architect, lighting in Munich upon the unlikely figure of Paul Troost, who was neither young nor notably successful, and who died before his first large projects for Hitler were complete.
Architecture and political legitimation
The iron insert is immersed in a bath of molten aluminum and placed in the mold, where the aluminum engine block is cast around it.
New process bonds Al/Mg inserts in aluminum castings
The Transparency of Evil reads our mass-media Sensurround of sameness and oneness between the lines of defense cast around the AIDS crisis.
The Transparency of Evil: Essays on Extreme Phenomena
The researchers built their synthetic antibodies out of polymers, using a technique called molecular imprinting to construct a cast around a target molecule.
Antibody mimics rival the real thing
Cast around for the person who'll inspire my kids in anything like the same way and I can't see a likely candidate.
Growing up with a hero
And with a talented cast around him, he got to work up close with Sutherland, who played Jack Bauer in 24.
I could relate to how this character grew up; Riz Ahmed is back playing a terrorist again, but this time it's definitely not for laughs
The new year has opened to talk of yet another downturn as Britain and its major trading partners cast around for ways to drive growth in their economies while struggling still to come to terms with the financial excesses of their pasts.
Important times for the economy
"The show really caught the imagination of the community - with more than 200 local people involved playing soldiers, children, pea-pickers, boatmen and women - and everyone following the cast around Stratford." A CELEBRATION of The Dillen takes place at 10am tomorrow at the Swan Theatre, Stratford.
A chance to look back at sell-out success The Dillen
"The Judges' Award is very special as it is a tribute to the show and to every single member of the production team, from the not unimportant people who drive the cast around, right up to the director."
READ MORE McGovern is streets ahead at TV awards
But rather than admit it even to himself, he's cast around for an another reason and that's why he's blaming you.
Husband's insult really hurt me
George W Bush cast around for a new hate focus when the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were attacked in 2001, and found Al Qaeda.
Who wins in the blame game?
Lopez is suitably sweet and charming in a particularly undemanding role, but there is a very strong supporting cast around her, with Wanda Sykes as Viola's long-suffering and extremely sarcastic assistant particularly fine.
Films: JANE'S NOT FONDA J-LO; MONSTER-IN-LAW (12A)
It's tempting to cast around for others to blame, but defeated leaders should always look in the mirror first.'
Cabinet colleague flies flag for Rhodri
Freeman moves his cast around with fluent precision, creating exciting tableaux for the ceremonials (thought the Grand March is more of a run-on and general assembly than triumphant procession) and ensures that the protagonists keep in regular visual contact with the audience on three sides.
Ensemble performance makes a thrilling show; National Indoor Arena