ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cast off

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to get rid of something that you no longer want or that limits your freedom.

phr. v.. to discard or reject something perceived as a burden, constraint, or unwanted attachment; often used figuratively regarding social or psychological ties.


SIMPLE

She decided to cast off her old worries and start fresh.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of following strict rules, the young artist finally cast off his family's expectations to find his own style.

COMPLEX

The revolutionary movement sought to cast off the shackles of colonial rule and establish a sovereign government based on democratic principles.

Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
cast + (object) + off
Usage

often used with abstract nouns like 'inhibitions', 'shackles', or 'doubts'.

Teaching tip

anchor this in the literal nautical sense of untying a boat from a dock to help students visualize the act of 'releasing' or 'letting go'.

Pitfall

He casted off his coat.He cast off his coat.the verb 'cast' is irregular and remains 'cast' in the past tense.

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