Cast to the wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cast to the wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea of letting go of something or abandoning it, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After much deliberation, she decided to cast her doubts to the wind and pursue her dreams without hesitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

While seemingly a small amount -- a kilogram is 2.2 pounds -- that weight in dangerous germs could cause major havoc if cast to the wind or into a subway.

The New York Times

Over the past few months, most talk of restraint has been cast to the wind as Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump take steps to rebuild their arsenals, according to arms control advocates.

The New York Times

That's where humor enters the domain of the philosophical and starts to say: "What seems obvious isn't; what you think will sustain you won't; what you trust will fail you; what you think is permanent is fading; your mind will go, your body will rot, all that you love will be cast to the wind".

The New Yorker

It meant that many skills were cast to the wind.

BBC

Impetus and momentum cast to the wind by a steady flow of blunders.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ordinary Romanians might feel (more) disappointed with the muted EU response to the Italian fiasco, were Mr Orban not there to pile in on their behalf, his multilingualism dossiers temporarily cast to the winds.Efficiency offers a strong argument for shrinking the commission.

The Economist

Standards of admission and academic performance are routinely cast to the winds for star football players, said Linda Bensel-Meyers, a Renaissance literature scholar at the University of Tennessee, who has challenged her university on those practices and is now embroiled in a bitter legal dispute.

The New York Times

For aspiring artists, December is the cruelest month, when thoughts of pursuing an MFA must turn to action or be cast to the winds.

HuffPost

Everyone has been cast to the four winds, so it's back into zombie survival thriller mode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Lang had focused on people cast to the four winds by economic hardship and the great slump Linda Eastman was to photograph the children of the long postwar boom, the itinerants of the new rock money.

The Guardian

It is a story of roots, lost and found; of a family cast to the four winds by the Japanese invasion, the civil war, and the revolution; a family of rightists and leftists, glamour on the Shanghai stage and even a hero of the Long March.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance readability, ensure the context makes it clear what is being abandoned and why. This idiom works best when the abandonment contrasts with a previous attachment or concern.

Common error

Avoid using "cast to the wind" in highly formal or technical writing. This phrase, while widely understood, carries a slightly informal tone that might not suit academic or business contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast to the wind" functions as an idiomatic expression. It serves to depict a deliberate act of abandoning or disregarding something, such as worries, plans, or principles. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cast to the wind" is an idiomatic phrase used to express the act of abandoning or disregarding something. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It frequently appears in News & Media contexts. While not overly formal, it may not be the best choice for academic or technical writing. Be sure to make it clear what is being abandoned when using this phrase for maximum impact. Alternatives include "abandon completely", "disregard entirely", and "throw caution to the wind".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Throw caution to the wind

Implies acting recklessly or without regard for potential consequences, similar to abandoning caution.

Disregard entirely

Emphasizes the act of ignoring or paying no attention to something.

Discard entirely

Emphasizes the act of getting rid of something completely, as if it were useless.

Abandon completely

Indicates a total relinquishment, focusing on the act of giving something up entirely.

Relinquish control

Specifically refers to surrendering power or authority over something.

Forsake completely

Highlights the act of deserting or renouncing something, often with a sense of finality.

Disavow completely

Highlights the act of denying or rejecting something formally or publicly.

Give up on

Suggests ceasing to believe in the success of something or someone.

Leave behind

Focuses on the act of physically or metaphorically moving away from something.

Set aside

Focuses on temporarily ignoring or postponing something.

FAQs

How can I use "cast to the wind" in a sentence?

You can use "cast to the wind" to describe abandoning something, like fears or doubts. For example, "She decided to "cast her anxieties to the wind" and embrace the opportunity".

What does "cast to the wind" mean?

"Cast to the wind" means to abandon or disregard something completely. It often implies a deliberate decision to ignore potential consequences or concerns.

Are there any alternatives to "cast to the wind" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "abandon completely", "disregard entirely", or "throw caution to the wind" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "throw to the wind" instead of "cast to the wind"?

Yes, "throw to the wind" is a valid alternative to "cast to the wind" and carries the same meaning. Both phrases are used to express the act of abandoning or disregarding something.