cast off

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Explanation of "Cast Off"

Definition:
The phrase "cast off" can have a few meanings, but it generally means to get rid of something or to release something. In knitting, "cast off" refers to the final step of finishing a piece of knitting by securing the last row of stitches so that they don’t unravel.

Usage Instructions:

• As a verb: You can use "cast off" when talking about knitting or when you want to express the idea of letting go of something, whether it’s a physical item, an image, or even a relationship.

Examples:

1. Knitting Context:

   • "After finishing my scarf, I will cast off the last row of stitches."

2. Letting Go Context:

   • "She decided to cast off her old habits to lead a healthier life."
   • "He cast off his image as a pushy boss and became more approachable."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "cast off" can also be used metaphorically: - "The company needs to cast off its outdated practices to stay competitive."

Word Variants:

• Cast-off (noun): Refers to something that has been discarded or thrown away. Example: "The cast-offs from the party were donated to charity."

Different Meanings:

1. Knitting: The act of finishing a knitted item.
2. General: To discard or shed something, whether it's physical items, habits, or reputations.

Synonyms:

• For the knitting context: bind off, finish.
• For the letting go context: discard, shed, release, abandon.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "cast off" can be considered a phrasal verb itself, you may find related expressions: - "Cast aside": Means to put something away or ignore it.
Example: "He cast aside his doubts and took the leap."

Summary:

"Cast off" is a versatile term that can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Academic

Verb

1. make the last row of stitches when knitting
2. get rid of
   • he shed his image as a pushy boss
   • shed your clothes

Synonyms

• shed
• cast
• shake off
• throw
• throw off
• throw away
• drop