cast around for (someone or something)

cast around for (someone or something)

To search for or seek something by looking randomly or in many places. (In fishing, "casting" is the act of throwing one's fishing line or net into the water.) Tell Human Resources to cast around for a new assistant for our department. Although Pam has taken classes in a variety of disciplines during her three years at college, she's still casting around for a major.See also: around, cast

cast around for someone or something

 and cast about for someone or somethingto seek someone or something; to seek a thought or an idea. (Alludes to a type of person or thing rather than a specific one.) John is casting around for a new cook. The old one quit. Bob is casting about for a new car.See also: around, cast