cast over

To make people feel worried or hopeless about something.

• The news cast gloom over the town.
• Falling sales cast doubt over the future of the shop.
• The accident has cast a shadow over their holiday.

How to use it: cast doubt/gloom/a shadow over something (The bad news cast a shadow over their future.)

Similar words: overshadow, cloud

Common phrases: cast doubt over something, cast gloom over something

To turn your eyes or attention towards something.

• He cast his eyes over the page.
• She cast her gaze over the empty room.
• The inspector cast a careful eye over the damage.

How to use it: cast one’s eyes over something (She cast her eyes over the list.)

Similar words: look over, survey

Common phrases: cast eyes over something, cast attention over something

To think carefully about something before deciding what to do.

• She cast over the plan.
• He cast over the matter during his journey home.
• They cast over their options before reaching a decision.

How to use it: cast over something (He cast over the proposal before replying.)

Similar words: consider, ponder, think over

Common phrases: cast over something, cast over plans

To throw your fishing line across another line or into another person’s fishing area.

• Do not cast over my line.
• He cast over another angler and tangled both lines.
• You keep casting over the person beside you.

How to use it: cast over someone/something (Please avoid casting over another angler’s line.)

Common phrases: cast over someone, cast over someone’s line