VOA词汇掌故2024--What Good Comes from 'Casting a Wide Net'?

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

Sometimes in life, you may want to have as many choices as possible. For example, let's say you need a new job. You want to look far and wide. You do not want to limit your options. In this situation, you may want to cast a wide net.

Casting a wide net means to search a very wide area.

To cast a wide net is an expression that probably comes from fishing. For some types of fishing, you attach a hook to a line on a fishing pole. Then you cast the hook into the water. This will only catch one fish. However, casting a net into the water can catch many fish!

When you cast a wide net, you might search a wider area, or you might aim to catch something bigger. For example, if someone looks for a partner, he might cast a wide net by searching - the world. He might be willing to move anywhere. He would have no limits to where he might go.

People who cast a wide net want to have many choices or options. They broaden their search or widen the qualities they are willing to accept.

There are many related expressions that describe similar ideas. One is to cast your net wide. Others include considering all options or exploring all opportunities.

Casting a wide net also means you leave no stone unturned. You look thoroughly¹. You search high and low for what you want.

Now, let's hear this expression used in two discussions. The first is at work:

A: So, how's the search going for a web designer?

B: Surprisingly, it's going slowly. So far, only five applicants² have responded to the job announcement.

A: Five? In this job market, I thought resumes would have been pouring in.

B: Well, I only sent the job advertisement to one employment agency.

A: That's not enough! We need to cast a really wide net this time.

B: Right. I'm on it. I'll be casting a really wide net today!

Now, let's hear two friends use the same expression:

A: So, how is your online dating search going?

B: Not well. It's difficult to find the perfect partner.

A: Well, no one is perfect. What qualities are you looking for?

B: I'm looking for a person who is tall, 1.9 meters or taller, with a good job but not in politics or acting³. And they must have a master's degree.

A: Hmmm ... the height and job criteria⁴ might be a bit limiting.

B: Oh, I'm not done. They must also live within 10 kilometers of me, love dogs ... big dogs, and they can't be a smoker⁵. Oh, they must be active outdoors but especially with water skiing and rock climbing. Oh, and they must be a vegetarian⁶.

A: I think if you want to meet more people and have more options, you may want to cast a wider net.

B: Maybe you're right. I know. I'll take off the dog criteria. If they like cats ... I guess that's okay.

Do you have a similar expression in your language? Let us know in the comments section. Or send us an email at [email protected]

And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.

Words in This Story

option -n. one of at least two choices

cast -v. to throw using a wide motion or a stick or rod to widen the path of the object being thrown

net -n. a large number of connected lines used to catch fish

hook -n. a curved piece of metal used to catch fish

broaden -v. to make something wide or more spread out

criteria -n. a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based

1 thoroughly   

adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地

参考例句：

• The soil must be thoroughly turned over before planting.一定要先把土地深翻一遍再下种。
• The soldiers have been thoroughly instructed in the care of their weapons.士兵们都系统地接受过保护武器的训练。

2 applicants   

申请人，求职人( applicant的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• There were over 500 applicants for the job. 有500多人申请这份工作。
• He was impressed by the high calibre of applicants for the job. 求职人员出色的能力给他留下了深刻印象。

3 acting   

n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的

参考例句：

• Ignore her,she's just acting.别理她，她只是假装的。
• During the seventies,her acting career was in eclipse.在七十年代，她的表演生涯黯然失色。

4 criteria   

n.标准

参考例句：

• The main criterion is value for money.主要的标准是钱要用得划算。
• There are strict criteria for inclusion in the competition.参赛的标准很严格。

5 smoker   

n.吸烟者，吸烟车厢，吸烟室

参考例句：

• His wife dislikes him to be a smoker.他妻子不喜欢他当烟民。
• He is a moderate smoker.他是一个有节制的烟民。

6 vegetarian   

n.素食者；adj.素食的

参考例句：

• She got used gradually to the vegetarian diet.她逐渐习惯吃素食。
• I didn't realize you were a vegetarian.我不知道你是个素食者。