cast loose

Idioms and Phrases

Also, cast adrift . Let go, freed, as in After Rob was suspended from boarding school, he was cast loose with nowhere to go , or Selling her home meant she was cast adrift with no financial ties or responsibilities . Originally a nautical term for releasing a vessel, this idiom was being used figuratively by the late 1500s.

Example Sentences

I want these men drilled until they can cast loose their guns, run them out, and fire—” he snapped his fingers—“like that! Do you understand?”

From Literature

Before the strange ship was close enough for the lookout to see her colors, the guns were cast loose and ready for action.

From Literature

With its deep ensemble, the movie doesn’t want for colorful characters, and Davis keeps his cast loose, unvarnished and unleashed.

From New York Times

They were just about to cast loose when their guide paused, boat-hook in hand.

From Literature

Sorrowfully they cast loose the funeral boat: there Boromir lay, restful, peaceful, gliding upon the bosom of the flowing water.

From Literature

Related Words

• clear
• deliver
• discharge
• drop
• free
• issue
• leak
• surrender